FENERBAHCE boss Zico has paid tribute to the bravery of departing hero Tuncay Sanli and wished him the best of luck in England. As heartbroken Turkish supporters continue to flood mfc.co.uk with messages about the talented 25-year-old, former Brazil midfielder Zico was quick to acknowledge the players’ huge contribution to the club’s success in recent seasons.

Speaking at his new football school in Rio de Janeiro in an interview quoted on his club’s official website, Zico said: “Everyone should thank Tuncay for everything he has done for Fenerbahce.

“He always tried to do his best for the team. I cannot comment on his decision about leaving Fenerbahce. All I can say is that he will be missed deeply. Tuncay decided to leave Fenerbahce and try his chance in Europe.

“Everyone is responsible for his or her own decisions. He is a very important player for the Turkish national team. Tuncay has improved his skills and I am sure that he will continue at working hard.”

Zico, who recently completed the signing of fellow Brazilian Roberto Carlos, said replacing Tuncay will be one of his most difficult tasks of the summer.

“We will definitely need a player who is brave and engaged like Tuncay,” he said. “We transfer players to make Fenerbahce better. I wish luck to all my former footballers who won’t be with us in the upcoming season.

“We will definitely need a player who is so brave like Tuncay. I am sure that they will be missed a lot.”

Tuncay has now returned to Turkey after passing a medical and signing a four-year Boro contract subject to the granting of a work permit.

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