Fatih bids farewell to Fenerbahçe
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Article summary
Fenerbahçe SK have parted company with Turkish international defender Fatih Akyel by mutual consent.
Article body
United defeat
The 26-year-old has barely figured for the Superleague leaders in the 2004/05 campaign, although he did get an hour in the 6-2 defeat by Manchester United FC last month. Despite their dominance in Turkey, Fenerbahçe have not fared so well in the UEFA Champions League having taken just one win from three Group D matches.
International worry
"I told [coach] Christoph Daum that I wanted to leave as I could not get first-team football," said Fatih. "After we discussed the issue with club officials, they agreed to let me go. I am an international footballer. If I hadn't taken this step, the fact that I have not been playing for my club would have affected my international career."
Championship role
Fatih arrived at Fenerbahçe from Spanish side RCD Mallorca in November 2001, agreeing a three-year contract. He played 69 matches for the club, including helping them to last season's title, but had made only two appearances this term before taking the decision to leave.
