H1 Title: Mertens Eyes Third Straight Title, Retirement, and Family Expansion with Galatasaray
Galatasaray’s Belgian StrikerEyeing Historic Third Straight Title
ISTANBUL – Dries Mertens, Belgian forward for Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, is on the brink of an unprecedented third consecutive title. With just a few games remaining in the season, the Reds sit neatly at the summit, boasting a five-point lead over their closest rivals. A win against Trabzonspor on Wednesday in the Turkey Cup final and another against Kayserispor will secure the treble.
Let’s win the next five games. Two of them should also end with champagne.
However, Mertens’ future beyond this season remains uncertain. The 30-year-old Belgian international has been plagued by chronic physical issues, causing him to miss nine games this season:
I said to them: “Ok, I may be retiring here”, but now I’m in my third year. We were champions twice and I hope we can be a third time.
The Mertens Family: Expanding!
Amidst the thrill of the championship race, Mertens and his wife, Katrin Kerkhofs, have shared joyful news. They’re expecting their second child, joining their 3-year-old son, Ciro. The apacheazionali to his third title might also be his final bow. The Belgian confirmed that he will retire at the end of this season—but where will he be? Belgium, Turkey, or Italy?
One thing’s for sure: Mertens will be feted in Naples following his departure from Galatasaray. On June 6, he will be honored as an honorary citizen of the coastal Italian city. Could this mark his retreat from competitive football, perhaps welcoming a new chapter in his life and career?
Could Mertens Welcome Kevin de Bruyne to Naples?
Speculation swirls over Belgian teammate Kevin de Bruyne’s future. Mertens, speaking with former teammate Romelu Lukaku, hinted that de Bruyne is tempted by a return to Naples:
I recently spoke with Mertens: he wishes to come back to live here after his retirement “
While neither Mertens nor Galatasaray have confirmed this, fans of the Partenopei and their fellow Belgians eagerly await de Bruyne’s decision.
Did you know?
Mertens first joined Galatasaray in 2022 on a one-year deal, after leaving Napoli.
He guided Galatasaray to two consecutive league titles in 2022/23 and 2023/24.
Pro Tip: Join the Conversation!
Galatasaray fans, get involved! Share your predictions for Mertens’ future, your thoughts on de Bruyne’s next destination, and who’ll join him on the parental leave list.
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