Football: Galatasaray legend wants rivals to win league

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia

A legendary Kosovo-born veteran of Istanbul football side Galatasary has told Anadolu Agency he wants the Lions to win an upcoming derby with Fenerbahce, to ensure city rivals Besiktas lift the Turkish league title.

Cevad Prekazi, now 58, remains a fan favorite for his 1989 free-kick goal from almost 40 meters against AS Monaco in a UEFA Cup match.

More than 25 years later, the legendary player still follows Turkish football, especially Galatasaray.

The upcoming derby between bitter rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce had been postponed amid security concerns until March 20.

The game will be played on Wednesday in Galatasaray's Turk Telekom Arena.

Speaking from the Serbian capital Belgrade, where he has been manager OFK Beograd’s youth team since 2010, Prekazi said:

"As a former Galatasaray player and a fan, I want them to win for Besiktas with my all heart... They have a very good coach and a young team.

“I always loved Besiktas, of course after Galatasaray. Galatasaray always comes first," said Prekazi.

Besiktas is currently leading the Turkish Spor Toto Super Lig with 66 points. Fenerbahce is in second place with 60 points with a game in hand.

Prekazi was born in Mitrovica, Kosovo in 1957. He earned success during his career in the former Yugoslavia and Turkey.

During his football career he played for Partizan Belgrade, Hajduk Split, Galatasaray, Altay Izmir, Bakirkoyspor and Trudbenik.