Forgotten Premier League cult hero unrecognisable as famous flowing locks go grey and ex-team-mate calls him ‘best ever’
THIS former Premier League cult hero looks totally unrecognisable after going grey and trimming his famous flowing locks.
The ex-star spent eight years in England with one club having joined from Rangers in 2001.
Instagram @tugayThis man graced the Premier League for eight years from 2001[/caption]
Instagram @tugayHe looks very different in his retirement[/caption]
He racked up an impressive 293 appearances and chipped in with 13 goals.
The ace was distinctive as he ran around the middle of the park always followed by a long train of hair.
However, these days he cuts a very different look.
The hair has been cut a lot shorter and he is now a silver fox.
Recent Instagram posts show him looking rather suave in a black suit and tie.
And former Blackburn team-mate Robbie Savage – another midfielder with long hair that’s gone grey – commented on one from August: “Happy birthday mate, best ever.”
The mystery footballer is… Tugay.
Yes, Tugay Kerimoglu – the former Turkey star who was a regular fixture at Ewood Park after initially coming through at Galatasaray before his stint at Ibrox.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
Tugay – who reportedly “smoked 20 a day” – was part of the side that won the 2001-02 League Cup under Graeme Souness and was crowned Rovers’ player of the season in 2003-04.
He made 94 international caps – including representing the Crescent Stars at Euro 1996, Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, where they finished third.
Tugay, now 52, retired in 2009 aged 38 after his final season with Blackburn and was given a standing ovation when substituted off in the closing minutes against West Brom.
He dipped into management, working in the Manchester City academy under former boss Mark Hughes before spells as Galatasaray assistant and then as Sanliurfaspor gaffer for five months until April 2016.
News Group Newspapers LtdTugay was a popular figure during his time at Blackburn[/caption]
He retired aged 38 in 2009 after eight years at Ewood ParkAction Images – Reuters
