Fenerbahçe fans to unveil statue in honour of Alex De Souza

2012-07-09 20:52:24

Fenerbahçe supporters will unveil a statue of Alex De Souza when the team return from their pre-season training camp on Thurs, 26 July.

İlyas Bulçay, head of the Fenerbahçe supporters committee made a statement regarding the project, saying, "We consulted Aziz Yıldırım while he was incarcerated, he gave us his full backing.

"Aziz told us to go ahead with the opening ceremony, however, we decided to wait until his release," he said.

The statue was paid for by the fans and will be erected next to the statue of Fenerbahçe legend Lefter Küçükandonyadis in the Kadıköy Yoğurtçu park, a short distance from the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium.

Manager Aykut Kocaman responded to rumours that Alex may be leaving by saying, "If Alex goes 100,000 fans will turn up at the airport to wish him farewell, if he stays 50,000 supporters will cheer him on in every game."

The Fenerbahçe captain joined the Istanbul club from Cruzeiro for €4 million in 2004. Alex guided his team to three Turkish Super League titles including a memorable 2006-07 championship trophy on the Yellow Canaries centenary year.

Alex has scored 363 goals and made 254 assists in 896 games in his illustrious career. The Brazil international also has 49 caps for the Seleção, helped win the 1998 Copa America and captained his nation to their 2004 Copa America title.