İsmail Kartal announces resignation: 'I made this decision to clear the way for my club'

Fenerbahçe head coach İsmail Kartal made a surprising announcement at the press conference held after the Champions League match against Roma, revealing that he had decided to step down from his position. The experienced coach's statement caused a major stir within the yellow-and-navy blue club.

Explaining the background of his decision, Kartal emphasized that he acted with the club's future in mind. He said, 'I have left my post. I made this decision to clear the way for my club. We made this decision together as a team.'

The veteran coach continued, 'From now on, I have resigned in order to help Fenerbahçe, my players and the coaches who will come after me — while there is still time, and with no intention of ever returning.' These words were interpreted as a firm and final message directed at the club's management, particularly President Aziz Yıldırım.

Another notable development following the resignation announcement was Kartal's absence from the training session held on Friday. His absence from the squad was seen as an indication that the resignation had already taken practical effect.