Turkish football coach dies of cancer aged 58
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Erdoğan Arıca, who worked at more than a dozen Turkish football clubs in the last two decades, dies at the age of 58 from lung cancer. AA photo
Former Turkish national football team player and journeyman coach Erdoğan Arıca died yesterday following a battle with lung cancer. He was 58.Arıca played for Galatasaray for four years between 1977 and 1981 before leaving to play for Fenerbahçe until 1986. He coached several teams after his playing career ended in 1990.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced that there will be a minute of tribute for Arıca before the Spor Toto Super League, League One, League Two, League Three and Reserve League games between April 10 and 16.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also released a statement on Arıca’s death.
“I have felt a major sadness learning that a valuable coach and national player has passed away,” his statement read. “I believe he will always be remembered with respect.”
Arıca had been among the coaching rotation in the Turkish league, working at Samsunspor for three different spells, as well as coaching Gençlerbirliği and Gaziantepspor on two different occasions. He also coached Dardanelspor, Aliağa, Malatyaspor, Çaykur Rizespor and Hacettepe before working at Karşıyaka last season in what became his final coaching job.
“We have learned of the passing of Arıca with great sorrow,” a statement released by Galatasaray read. “Our condolences go to his family and the Turkish Football Federation.”
