İsmail Köybaşı bids farewell to football with testimonial match

A special testimonial match was organized at ISONEM Park Gürsel Aksel Stadium for İsmail Köybaşı, who concluded his football career. In the match held in honor of the experienced player, who wore the jerseys of both Göztepe and Trabzonspor, the two teams faced off against each other. Göztepe emerged victorious at home with a score of 2-1. The home team's goals were scored by Sonko from the penalty spot in the final minutes of the first half and by Janderson at the start of the second half, while Trabzonspor's only goal came from Metehan Mimaroğlu.

Sharing his feelings after the match, İsmail Köybaşı stated that he had experienced many special moments on these pitches throughout his career. Köybaşı said that he had left his heart today on these grounds where he buried his umbilical cord, raised the championship flag, and shared his joys and sorrows, noting that he had spent a very emotional and sorrowful night. The experienced player emphasized that when he looks back on his career, he has traveled a path where he can say 'I'm glad' rather than 'I wish,' and thanked everyone who gave him this honor.

Köybaşı stated that Göztepe is one of the pioneers of a fading football culture, and said that Trabzonspor's participation in this organization was a meaningful gesture. Köybaşı expressed that such events should remind people not only of championships but also of struggle and effort, and hoped that this day would inspire similar organizations in the future. Responding to a question about the absence of Trabzonspor's new signing Mohamed Salah from the squad, Köybaşı said that the star player had gone through an intense transfer process and might need rest, wishing him success in his career.