07.03.2025 08:30
Galatasaray's Belgian star Dries Mertens has decided to retire from football. It has been reported that the experienced player spoke with head coach Okan Buruk and expressed his desire to leave the team at the end of the season.
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Galatasaray, the Turkish Super League giant, has made a decision regarding the future of its Belgian star Dries Mertens.
MET WITH OKAN BURUK: I WILL RETIRE FROM FOOTBALL
According to a report in Takvim, it has been learned that the experienced player, who played a significant role in the last two championships won by the yellow-reds, met with head coach Okan Buruk and expressed his desire to leave the team at the end of the season.
In the meeting with Okan Buruk, Mertens reportedly said, "I have a lot of pain after training and matches. I want to leave the team at the end of the season; I will retire from football. My physical condition is not like it used to be." It is expected that Okan Buruk will use Mertens more economically until the end of the season.
THOUGHTS OF THE TECHNICAL TEAM
The 37-year-old footballer has been getting less playing time due to his physical condition in recent weeks. Coach Okan has thoughts of including Mertens in his technical team. It has been stated that at the end of the season, Okan Buruk will have a meeting with the Belgian star and will insist on including him in the technical team.
GALATASARAY PERFORMANCE
Mertens has played in 41 matches this season, providing 18 assists. The 37-year-old star, who has appeared in 125 matches during his Galatasaray career, has scored 24 goals and made 41 assists.
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