Turkish midfielder Gokdeniz Karadeniz ended his professional football career on Monday, after his 300th appearance for Rubin Kazan.
The Russian top-tier outfit returned Karadeniz’s number-61 shirt in honor of his services to the club.
The former Turkey international was awarded the order of merit on Tuesday by the Republic of Tatarstan for his achievements at the club over an illustrious career.
The 38-year-old took to the pitch for the last time on Monday against Ufa, where he announced his retirement and delivered a delivered an emotion speech to the fans.
#GökdenizKaradeniz futbolu bıraktı.!#Trabzonspor ‘un eski yıldızı Gökdeniz Karadeniz, Rusya’da #RubinKazan forması ile kariyerinin son maçına çıktı ve tecrübeli oyuncunun jübilesi hayranlarını göz yaşına boğdu..!
Bahis Sitesinden Fazladı ➡️ https://t.co/vn8bs9oihG pic.twitter.com/LTgOBZDbI8
— Betsat (@BetsatTR) May 8, 2018
See More: Turks Abroad: Cengiz Under Strikes Again, Calhanoglu Shines For AC Milan
“This is not a farewell. It is an inception. I want to remain a part of the game and become a coach,” Karadeniz said at his speech.
Karadeniz joined Kazan in 2008 and went onto lift two Russian championships scoring 51 goals and assisted 51 others.
The Kazan legend also lifted two league cups, one domestic cup and the Russia Super Cup championship.
During a press conference, Rubin Kazan General Director Rustem Saymanov said a friendly game with Trabzonspor – his former club – could be on the cards for Karadeniz’s jubilee.
