A memorial ceremony was held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for Cevad Prekazi, one of Galatasaray's legendary football players.
Prekazi's family, relatives, loved ones and former football players attended the funeral ceremony held at the stadium of Partizan, where he played during his football career.
A delegation on behalf of Galatasaray Club was also present at the commemoration ceremony.
Türkiye's Belgrade Ambassador İlhan Saygılı, who attended the ceremony, said in a statement to AA correspondent that he was personally very sorry for the death of Prekazi.
Stating that he lost a good friend and a good person, Saygılı said, "He was more than a football player, he was a person with a heart of gold. He was someone who was always in close contact with both me and the ambassadors before me and our embassy members." he said.
Saygılı said, "Dear Cevad Prekazi's role in the development of Turkish football and the leap that took place in the 1980s is undeniable. He has a special place in the hearts of almost everyone in our generation." he said.
Emphasizing that Prekazi also contributed to the friendship between the two countries, Saygılı said, "He also contributed to the reinforcement of the friendship between our countries in recent times. He was always closely interested in every club and every football friend who came here." made his assessment.
Saygılı explained that the success of Turkish teams in Europe in those years brought people together and Prekazi, together with the football players of that period, made a great contribution to this.
Stating that Prekazi was also loved by the fans of other clubs, Saygılı said, "He made us love football very much. When you got to know him closely, you loved him as a person. Turkish people will not forget him. I will never forget him, either." he said.
Saygılı expressed his condolences to Prekazi's family, Galatasaray and Partizan communities.
"WE ARE LEAVING THAT JERSEY HERE TO USE AT HIS FUNERAL UNDER HIS OWN WISH"
Speaking at the ceremony, Galatasaray Club Vice President Sedat Artukoğlu stated that they were together to say goodbye to Prekazi, one of the unforgettable names in Galatasaray history, and expressed his condolences on behalf of the club to Prekazi's family, fans and the entire football community.
Stating that Prekazi started a new journey when he came to Galatasaray in 1985, not only as a great football player but also as a name that will leave a deep mark in the history of Turkish football, Artukoğlu said, "He proudly carried the yellow-red jersey for six years and played an important role in our two league championships. He became one of our most important heroes in the years when Galatasaray started to dream big in Europe. That unforgettable goal he scored against Monaco in 1989 is remembered by millions of Galatasaray fans even today." "It continues to live in his memory with the excitement of the first day." he said.
Artukoğlu said that what makes Prekazi special for the club is not only the goals he scored and the trophies he won, but also his character, sincerity and love for Galatasaray, and that he has a very special place in the hearts of the community.
Stating that Prekazi has won the love of millions of people in Istanbul, miles away from his own country, Artukoğlu said:
"He left unforgettable traces in two different geographies and two great football cultures. As we bid farewell to him in Belgrade today, we know that the hearts of millions of Galatasaray fans beat here in Istanbul as well. Some football players wear the jersey of a club, while others become a part of that club's history."
Artukoğlu stated that, in line with Prekazi's wishes, they brought the jersey he wore in those years to Belgrade with the board members and said, "We are leaving that jersey here to be used in his funeral, within the framework of his wishes." he said.
"HE WENT TO Türkiye AND CONTINUED TO MAKE FOOTBALL HISTORY WITH GALATASARAY JERSEY"
Partizan Club General Director and former football player Danko Lazovic thanked the Galatasaray delegation who attended the ceremony.
Lazovic said, "I thank you for being here today to commemorate Cevad Prekazi, one of the greats of our club and Yugoslav football." he said.
Aleksandar Aca Trifunovic, who played with Prekazi in Partizan for seven seasons, also reminded of the championships they won together and Prekazi's left foot.
Trifunovic said, "He went to Türkiye and continued to make football history with the Galatasaray jersey. He became a legend there, a person whose name is remembered with as much respect as here in Belgrade. Two great clubs, two countries and fan generations are saying goodbye to the same person today." he said.
Dejan Smiljanic, who is a close friend of Prekazi, said: "You were a great football player, but the most important thing is that you were a person that people respected. That respect you received, especially in Türkiye, is not something that will be forgotten." he said.
