The 'Bull of the Bosphorous' is now in his second-spell with Gala and topped the Turkish scoring charts as the club took its third title in a row.

He also has an impressive record in the Champions' League, netting three goals in five matches last year.

Signed for Gala from Torino for £2m in 1995, he had an unhappy, home-sick, three-month spell in Turin before returning to Gala for a second spell.

A transfer back to Turin with Juventus fell through earlier this year.

For Turkey, he scored four goals in the 6-4 World Cup defeat of Wales in 1997 and notched 17 goals in his first 37 internationals. He also scored the winner against Germany in the Euro 2000 qualifiers.

The Prime Minister was a witness at his marriage which was broadcast live on Turkish television.