Belgian international Dries Mertens has announced that he is retiring as a footballer. His contract with Galatasaray expires at the end of the month.
The striker, who started out at Gent, played most of his career for Napoli, after nine years in Italy, he moved on to Galatasaray for free in the summer of 2022 where he helped win the Süper Lig every single season.
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At the end of May, he thanked his Turkish fans. Thanks Dries…
Some goodbyes are hard to say…..
When he arrived 3 years ago, Dries Mertens was not only a footballer, but a true leader, a brother, an example.
He was the man who changed the game with his grit, wit and confident attitude on the pitch. Taking responsibility in difficult times, guiding young people, always sacrificing oneself first for one’s team… The happiest with motivation on the sidelines…
Dries touched our hearts off the pitch too…
Her humility, her sincerity, her smile…
He was one of the people who believed in unity and unity, which made Galatasaray more than a club.
And with that, Kat and Ciro have become some of the hottest members of this family.
Cat’s smiling face, Ciro’s joy and a smile…
They have all made this whole story.
How much do they love this club, this city…
They are just so loved.
Now it’s time for a breakup.
But your name, your memories, your leadership, your humanity are already written in golden letters in the history of this uniform, Dries.
Thank you for everything, glad you became one of us.
Want to see you again…
💛❤️
3w
Before his transfer to Galatasaray, he won two Coppa Italia titles with Napoli. At the Turkish club, he has helped secure three league golds in a row.
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Mertens played his 109th and final international match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He finished with 21 goals for the national team.
Today it became clear that the 38-year-old will not be looking for a new club.
