Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to Tugay as a glittering career with Galatasaray, Glasgow Rangers and of course Rovers came to an end at an emotional Ewood Park on Sunday.

The Turkish star was given a standing ovation when he came off five minutes from the final whistle, and then did his own lap of honour around the ground.

After the game his manager was full of praise for the 38-year-old: "Having worked with him he is not just a skillful player, he is more than that, he's a really nice human being.

"To be a Premier League footballer at 38 takes more than ability, there are plenty of players with ability but they have to have the determination, the desire and the knowledge to go with it.

"He's got all of those and that is what makes him such a good player.

"He knows where to apply his trade correctly at the right times, whereas often skillful players lose sight of when and where to use their abilities. He's got abilities because of his knowledge, his experience and his talent and his overall fitness for a man of his years.

"I wish him all the very best for the future."

A man of few words, Tugay was always happy to let his football do the talking, his message to the supporters was simply "I love you and will miss you".