ISTANBUL, Oct 26 (AFP) - Galatasaray and Turkey striker Hakan Sukur, dropped from the squad for his country's World Cup 2006 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Denmark, has announced he will no longer play for the national side, newspapers reported Tuesday.
The decision by new national manager Ersun Yanal to drop Sukur, who holds the all-time record for goals scored for Turkey -- 46 in 97 internationals -- created a furore in Turkey.
Critics cited not only Sukur's hero status and leadership qualities, but also his fine start to the season with Galatasaray, when he scored six goals in seven matches.
"It is of course very sad to be out of the national team, but what followed was even sadder" Sukur said, referring to the controversy.
"My decision aims to put an end to the debate and avoid any harmful effects it may have on Galatasaray's championship chances in its centenary year."
The venerable Istanbul club, which won the UEFA Cup in 2000 after beating Arsenal 4-1 in a penalty shootout, is in second place in the Turkish league, three points off leaders Fenerbahce after 10 matches.
The 33-year-old Sukur, who also holds the record for the fastest goal scored in a World Cup final -- in the 11th second against South Korea in the 2002 third place match Turkey won 3-2 -- said he would hold a press conference in the coming days to further explain his decision.
10/26/2004 12:43 GMT - AFP