Farewell match: İsmail Köybaşı bids emotional goodbye, comments on Salah

Former footballer İsmail Köybaşı held an emotional farewell match between Süper Lig teams Göztepe and Trabzonspor. The event marked the end of his professional career, and Köybaşı expressed profound sentiment, stating, "I have buried my umbilical cord, I have buried championship flags, but today I want them to not forget one thing. As İsmail Köybaşı, in front of everyone, I buried my heart here today."

Speaking to reporters after the match, Köybaşı described the night as "very sad and emotional." He conveyed his happiness at being part of such an organization and having a "valuable family." He also reflected on his career, expressing gratitude for being able to witness this day and for the "good" moments outweighing any regrets.

Köybaşı highlighted Göztepe's role in pioneering a forgotten football culture, noting that Trabzonspor's participation made the event particularly significant. He thanked everyone involved and expressed hope that the event would serve as a milestone, leading to a greater appreciation for effort and participation beyond just winning.

Addressing Trabzonspor's new signing, Muhammed Salah, Köybaşı wished him success. He recalled his own championship win with Trabzonspor, stating that even Real Madrid couldn't celebrate it as well. He acknowledged Salah's move generated significant international attention and understood his absence from the match due to potential fatigue from a demanding transfer process, suggesting Salah would have wanted to be present. Köybaşı concluded by wishing Salah all the best for his future career.