Galatasaray Breaks Its Own Record, Celebrates Historic UEFA Cup Win

Galatasaray players, coaches, and officials gathered at the Galatasaray High School to celebrate the 26th anniversary of their historic UEFA Cup win, with Fatih Terim setting his sights on a fifth title.

On May 17, 2000, Galatasaray made history by winning the UEFA Cup. Twenty-six years later, the players and coaches who were part of that historic victory reunited at Galatasaray High School. The event, organized by President Dursun Özbek, featured former president Faruk Süren, the management, coach Fatih Terim, and the players from that era.

Fatih Terim praised current coach Okan Buruk and expressed his hope for five consecutive championships, stating, "I congratulate you on the four-year period of success and achievement. My student, now my colleague, Okan Buruk, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. I hope Galatasaray will break its own record. Galatasaray is that strong. The captain who lifted the UEFA Cup, in appearance or in reality, the values of Galatasaray lifted it. This is not just a school, but a place of ideas. A place where ideas are born. Our European success is in our DNA. We removed the 'maybe' and said 'it will happen.'"

MESSAGE FROM ÖZBEK
President Dursun Özbek thanked those who attended the event, saying, "We celebrate the UEFA Cup victory with our legends every year on May 17. They didn't disappoint us by coming. We will share memories and have discussions for the next European cups."

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AIM
Captain Bülent Korkmaz, speaking on behalf of the team, emphasized the aim to win the Champions League in the near future: "Even after 26 years, we still feel the joy. We see how great an accomplishment it was. I hope that the next goal will be the Champions League trophy, and it will be lifted as soon as possible."