Semih Erden announced his retirement from basketball, reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude for the support of his fans and the lessons learned throughout his career.
Semih Erden has officially announced his retirement, delivering an emotional farewell message to his family, fans, and the basketball community on his social media account.
Semih Erden had an impressive career, playing for various top Turkish teams, including Fenerbahçe, Anadolu Efes, and Pınar Karşıyaka.
He won three Turkish League championships (2007, 2008, 2010) and earned a silver medal at the 2010 World Cup, along with multiple Turkish League All-Star appearances.
Erden began by acknowledging the difficulty of his decision but emphasized the importance of basketball in his life.
"Today, I want to share one of the most difficult yet meaningful decisions of my life with you. I am saying goodbye to the journey that made me who I am, the journey that filled me with strength and inspiration at every step — my journey in basketball," he noted.
As he looked back on his career, Erden recounted the dreams that led him to the sport and the lessons he learned along the way.
"When I started this path, my only dream was to play the game I loved. I still remember the excitement and dreams I had the first time I stepped onto the court. Over time, I won games and sometimes lost, but above all, basketball taught me about life.
Every moment spent sweating on the court, every challenge I faced, and every ounce of support I received made me stronger, more determined, and more humble," he noted
Erden also shared his appreciation for his fans and their unwavering support throughout his career.
"To my beloved fans who have stood by me, cheered for me, and supported me through every victory and defeat, I am deeply grateful. Knowing that your cheers, passion, and love were behind every achievement gave me strength. Each of you holds a special place in my life," Erden noted.
Looking ahead, Erden expressed his hope to continue impacting the sport and guiding future generations of athletes. "I know this farewell is not just an ending but also a new beginning. I hope to share what I have learned from this sport and my experiences with future generations and to guide young athletes. Although I may be leaving the courts, my heart will always be here, beating with you and the spirit of this game," he argued.
In closing, Erden extended his thanks to everyone who supported him throughout his career, acknowledging the significance of the memories they created together.
"Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of this unique chapter in my life. I am grateful for your support, love, and belief in me. Saying goodbye is hard, but the memories we created together will forever live within me," he concluded.
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Olympiacos Piraeus
Anadolu Efes Istanbul
Real Madrid
Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens