Two former Premier League stars refuse to play for Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in their final game for the club
It was another trophyless season in Istanbul - and fans were not happy
MOUR PROBLEMS Two former Premier League stars refuse to play for Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in their final game for the club
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
TWO departing Fenerbache stars refused to play in the final match of the season - and had to say their goodbyes from the stadium KITCHENS.
Jose Mourinho's side welcomed Konyaspor on Sunday for a dead-rubber match to finish the Super Lig campaign.
2
Jose Mourinho has suffered a tough first season in Turkey
Credit: Getty
2
Edin Dzeko (left) and Dusan Tadic (centre) missed the final game of the season as they feared a fan backlash
Credit: YouTube/Fenerbahce
The Turkish title race has been dominated by Fenerbahce's crosstown rivals Galatasaray.
Mourinho's men have been playing catch-up for most of the season and ended the campaign 11 points behind their Istanbul neighbours.
Neither Edin Dzeko and Dusan Tadic were included in Mourinho's matchday squad for the game against Konyaspor.
Tadic, 36, has since confirmed the pair made themselves unavailable to play in the game.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
CHAMPING AT THE BIT Fergie arrives at CL final as his £2m-a-year Man Utd role ends
The two former Prem stars were wary of fan unrest as they prepare to leave the club over the summer.
Dzeko, 39, and Tadic were due to receive commemorative plaques to honour their service to the club.
But they had to receive the gongs in the club KITCHENS - in a bid to avoid any backlash from the furious Fenerbahce fanbase.
Tadic wrote on social media: "It was a decision we made together with Dzeko not to play in the last match.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
"We didn't want to damage Fenerbahce's image.
"The fans have always supported us. The way we said goodbye is not a problem for me.
Crazy moment Jose Mourinho pinches Galatasaray manager's NOSE before he falls to ground sparking chaos
"I would have preferred it to be in the stadium, but the ambience is not very good at the moment.
"That's why it's better to be that way."
Dzeko, who previously played for Manchester City, scored 46 goals in 99 games for Fenerbahce.
Ex-Southampton winger Tadic joined the club in 2023 and netted 29 times in 109 matches.
Fenerbahce have now won just one trophy since 2014 - a solitary Turkish Cup last season.
Mourinho spent much of the campaign warring with the Turkish FA over refereeing standards.
He was also hit with a three-match ban for pinching the nose of Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk in a bad-tempered Istanbul derby.
And The Special One was forced to deny accusations of racism after claiming Galatasaray players were "jumping like monkeys" trying to win a penalty.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
44 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko decision close as exits confirmed
Arsenal are yet to decide whether to move for Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but sporting director Andrea Berta is a busy man Arsenal are in the middle of a crucial period of the summer transfer window, with crunch time approaching in the race to sign top-class players. The Gunners know they need to bolster their squad if they are to win silverware next season and are determined to make the most of the current window. Mikel Arteta has guided his side to three successive second-place finishes in the Premier League, while Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League in the semi-finals by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. New sporting director Andrea Berta is in place and is the man tasked with recruiting players capable of taking Arsenal to the next level. The transfer window has opened early this summer, due to the Club World Cup, and the club have wasted no time in getting down to business. A world-class striker is the No.1 priority on Berta's list and the former Atletico Madrid man is working on it. Meanwhile, he knows that exits are also needed to help accommodate the new signings, who will include Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who should be the first arrival of the summer for £51million. Here are the latest headlines from Mirror Football. Arsenal release 17 players Arsenal have confirmed the players who will leave the club on June 30 after not being offered new contracts. Among the list of youngsters from the academy are Jorginho, Kieran Tierney and Raheem Sterling. Jorginho is expected to move to Flamengo as a free agent once his deal expires. His departure will be covered for by the arrival of Zubimendi, who is a similar kind of player. Tierney has been linked with a return to Celtic and has already bid farewell to the club's fans with a statement. 'I feel so lucky that I've played for this club and the love that the supporters have given me has been amazing,' he said. 'I've loved every day here and I've learned so much, I've improved so much and I just feel very lucky.' Sterling, meanwhile, will return to Chelsea after his loan spell came to an end. The veteran forward failed to make an impact at Arsenal and will face an uncertain future this summer. Sesko vs Gyokeres decision Andrea Berta is still exploring the financial frameworks that would be required to sign Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko this summer. The Arsenal sporting director is the man in charge of leading the chase for a striker, but he is taking his time. Mirror Football understands that Gyokeres would be willing to join the Gunners, and Sporting would be willing to sell, if they stump up £60m as a transfer fee and well in excess of £200,000-a-week to make him one of the club's top earners. Arsenal have been tracking Sesko for longer and the RB Leipzig star is reported to have 'near universal backing' at the club due to his stronger data. Partey talks continuing Arsenal have confirmed that they remain in talks with Thomas Partey over a new contract. Partey's current deal will expire on June 30, but the club want to keep him in north London. Speaking recently, Arteta made it clear that Berta is the man tasked with keeping the midfielder, saying: "The intention is very clear. I'll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward." The 31-year-old has attracted interest from Spain, where he previously played for Atletico Madrid before a £45m move to Arsenal. Barcelona have reportedly held talks over signing the Ghana international on a free transfer, but it seems likely he will stay put. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
Joe Calzaghe the Italian Dragon may fight American Youtuber
53-year-old Joe Calzaghe the longest reigning super middleweight world champion in boxing history has said he'll come out of retirement to fight 28-year-old You Tuber and ex-Disney star Jake Paul given a decent cash deal. The Italian Dragon hailing from Pentwynmawr, near Newbridge told Boxing News: 'Would I get in the ring with Jake Paul? Let's say for £10 million. 'That would keep me happy. As long as I don't have to make weight for the fight, give me about four or five months' training and I'll be good!' Joe Calzaghe is widely regarded as an 'undefeated boxer.' The Italian Dragon Joe Calzaghe undefeated Welsh champion teases he'd fight You Tuber Jake Paul (Image: NQ) He retired in 2009 with a record of 46 wins and 0 losses and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014. Jake Paul on the other hand has been boxing since for about five years. His professional boxing record stands at 11 wins and one loss. He has taken on the likes of Tommy Fury and Mike Tyson. His main YouTube channel has over 20 million subscribers.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ruben Amorim plans loan move for Man Utd starlet as defender snubs rivals
Ruben Amorim is keen to overhaul his underperforming Manchester United squad that managed only a 15th place finish in the Premier League and he has already started on that rebuild by bringing in Matheus Cunha Manchester United have wasted little time getting stuck into the summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim bids to urgently overhaul his struggling squad. Amorim could only guide United to a 15th place finish in the Premier League, comfortably their worst campaign since the division's inception in 1992. He will be eager to secure more firepower for his frontline after watching Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggle for confidence up front, scoring just seven goals combined in the 2024-25 Premier League season. Amorim has already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves through the door and is aiming to complete a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo in the coming days too. There are a number of players whose future look uncertain - such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, and Amorim will be hoping he can get rid of his deadwood to top up his transfer budget for the summer. Mirror Football has taken a look through the biggest Manchester United news and rumours. Kone could leave on loan United have a number of talented young players in their academy and one of the brightest stars in 19-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone, who arrived for around £1million last summer. Kone has been thrown straight into the mix for the club's Under-21 side, playing nine times in Premier League 2 and he's even been named on the bench three times for Amorim's first team. He was involved in the squad that flew out to Asia for their post-season tour and came on twice as a substitute, but the club want him to pick up more minutes to get him up to scratch fitness wise. According to the Manchester Evening News, United have made him available for loan in order to fast-track his progression in the hopes he becomes a first team contender in the near future. Earlier this year, United Under-21 boss Travis Binnion said it was clear Kone was a massive talent, but that he needed more time before he was ready to compete for a spot in Amorim's team. Martinez rejects Napoli switch Of all the players Amorim is willing to let go of this summer, it's unlikely centre-back Lisandro Martinez will be one of them. The Argentine defender is currently recovering from a long-term ACL injury and is hoping to return by September. Martinez managed 20 starts in the Premier League, scoring twice, but couldn't stop United's slide down the table. He is now said to be of interest to Serie A side Napoli, who have just won the Serie A under Antonio Conte. Napoli would be able to offer Martinez Champions League football this season, but according to the Daily Mail the 27-year-old is not interested in the move. The report claims Martinez is "determined" to stay and succeed at Old Trafford, even if he is handed more opportunities to play in Europe's elite competition this summer. It says Napoli had been exploring opportunities to find bargain deals and were hoping to take advantage of United's willingness to sell players. But Martinez is seen as a reliable senior member of Amorim's dressing room and the club are hoping he can help lead a revival under the Portuguese boss this season. Gyokeres drops hint on future Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with Manchester United ever since Amorim arrived at Old Trafford after his incredible goalscoring exploits for Sporting Lisbon. There is no doubt that Gyokeres would dramatically change the club's fortunes after he smashed in 53 goals in all competitions, the highest total of any striker in Europe's top leagues. His performances have led to a string of clubs competing for his signature, with Arsenal and United said to be the leading contenders. However, the Red Devils may have hurt their chances of signing the player after failing to qualify for the Champions League - or any European competition whatsoever - handing the advantage to Arsenal. In any case, Gyokeres appears to have handed any interested party a blow by admitting he was "at home" in Lisbon. The former Coventry striker told Vogue Scandinavia, via A Bola: "In Swedish culture, people work hard during the week and if they want to do something, they do it on the weekend," Gyokeres revealed to Vogue Scandinavia via Portuguese outlet A Bola. "Here, people also make the most of the weekdays. They come over with friends on Monday or any other day of the week, have dinner and a glass of wine. "In Sweden, that's rare. That's the big difference. Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe... I feel at home."
