Deputy Şükür named new pundit of Lig TV

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

Istanbul deputy Hakan Şükür (R) speaks with Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek at the Parliament in this file photo. Şükür is set for a return to television as a pundit. AA photo

Istanbul deputy and former Turkish international forward Hakan Şükür will be a pundit for Lig TV, the daily Milliyet reported yesterday.

Şükür will replace coach Mustafa Denizli at the official Spor Toto Super League broadcaster’s television show “Maraton,” the report said.

Denizli had to leave the post after he accepted a coaching job at Iran’s Persepolis. The broadcaster is expected to make an official statement later this week, the report said.

Şükür was a pundit on state-run TRT before being elected as an Istanbul deputy from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the June 12 elections last year.

His monthly salary of 56,000 Turkish Liras was the subject of public debates, and TRT explained the “show’s sponsors were paying for Şükür’s salary.” Milliyet reported the salary he would be paid from Lig TV was not announced.

One of the most decorated players of Turkish football history, Şükür is best known for his time at Galatasaray. He won eight league titles with the Lions in addition to two top goal-scoring honors. He is the top scorer in the Turkish league with 249 goals.

Şükür represented Turkey a total of 112 times, scoring 51 goals, making him the nation’s top goal-scorer.

He was also a part of the UEFA Cup-winning Galatasaray team in 2000 and captained the Turkish national football team to third place in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.