Assembly of Turkish American Associations issued a message over the passing away of Lefter Kucukandonyadis, one of the best Turkish soccer players in the history. The message is as follows;
Lefter Kucukandonyadis, a.k.a "The Professor", one of the best players in Turkish soccer history passed away at 86 on January 13, 2012, in Istanbul Turkey.
Kucukandonyadis, a Turkish Greek, was the captain of Turkey's national team for many years, making 50 appearances for his country and being the Turkish National goal king until being outscored by Hakan Sukur of Galatasaray of the European side of Istanbul.
Kucukandonyadis played at the 1954 World Cup netting in 2 goals, one against West Germany and one against South Korea. He was the first Turkish football player to receive the "Golden Honor medal" from the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
Kucukandonyadis played for city rival, Fenerbahce of the Asian side of Istanbul, scoring 423 goals in 615 games for his team.
He participated in five games in the 1965 season scoring two goals before an injury in the match against Iraklis forced his retirement in 1966. Kucukandonyadis later coached clubs in Greece, South Africa and Turkey.
May God keep his soul in eternal peace.
For "Lefter" by Poet Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu
"...Istanbul deyince aklıma
Stadyum gelir
Kanımın karıŞtığını duyarım ılık ılık
Memleketimin insanlarına
Daha fazla sokulmak isterim yanlarına
Ben de bağırırım birlikte
Avazım çıktığı kadar
Gögsümü gere gere
Ver Lefter'e yaz deftere"
Photo credit: Fenerbahce.org
