ANDRE Ooijer has paid a glowing tribute to Tugay as the Turkish midfielder prepares to bid an emotional farewell at Ewood this weekend.
With both players set to pull on a Rovers shirt for the final time on Sunday against West Brom, before they leave the club this summer, Andre has described his friend and fellow team-mate as a true 'legend' of the game, and 'one of the finest players he has ever played with'.
The Dutch international said: "For Tugay there is just one word - legend. He's just a legend, a great guy, a great laugh and, to be fair, a great player.
"He is one of the best players that I have played with. When you see what he can do with the ball it is amazing - it's unbelievable.
"I really feel sorry that he is going to retire because I was hoping he would give it another year, either here or somewhere else.
"You can't really compare players with others, but Tugay is one of those special players. He's a real legend."
See Tugay and Ooijer in action in the final time in a Rovers shirt in the last game of the 2008/09 season against West Bromwich Albion. Tickets for the match are on sale to those Rovers supporters with a database history of purchasing tickets to Rovers matches.
Prices for the match are from just £16.60 for Adults, £11.70 for Seniors 65 and over and Club 16-21 Members and just £6.85 for Juniors under 16.
Existing customers can book online at www.onerovers.co.uk or call 0871 222 1444 for further information.
