Servet Çetin

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Çetin joined Fenerbahçe at the start of the 2003–04 season for a reported $1.5 million. In his first season, manager Christoph Daum regularly preferred the pairing of Fabio Luciano and Önder Turacı, limiting Çetin to eight league appearances. Despite this, Fenerbahçe won the Süper Lig. The following season, 2004–05, Fenerbahçe won the league for a second consecutive year, with Çetin partnering Fabio Luciano for most of the season at the heart of the defense. An injury in March 2005 cut his season short, and he did not return until September of that year. After returning, he once again became a first-choice centre-back. Following the sacking of Daum at the end of the 2005–06 season, new manager Zico signed Diego Lugano and Edu Dracena, making first-team opportunities unlikely. On transfer deadline day in 2006, Çetin joined Sivasspor, with Fenerbahçe not demanding a fee.

In Their Own Story

The 2004–05 season saw Çetin partner Fabio Luciano for most of the campaign as Fenerbahçe secured a second consecutive Süper Lig title. His physical presence and strength in the air made him a key figure in defense. However, an injury in March 2005 forced him out for the remainder of the season. He returned to action in September 2005 and reclaimed his starting spot. After Zico took over and signed Lugano and Dracena, Çetin's opportunities dwindled, leading to his departure on transfer deadline day in 2006.

Reader's Guide

Servet Çetin's time at Fenerbahçe was marked by both success and adversity. He won two Süper Lig titles (2003–04 and 2004–05) but faced stiff competition for a starting role. His strength and height earned him the nickname 'Ayıboğan' (a man who could choke a bear). After falling out of favor under Zico, he left for Sivasspor without a transfer fee. His career later flourished at Galatasaray, where he won another Süper Lig title and became a fixture in the Turkey national team.

Did You Know?

• Çetin joined Kartalspor in 1990 after the club manager called his house looking for his older brother İrfan.
• He played in his first match as a right-back after being invited as an amateur the same day the manager called.
• He earned the nickname 'Ayıboğan' (bear-choker) due to his height and strength.
• He also has the nickname 'Türkü Baba' because of the numerous Turkish folk music on his iPod.
• Çetin is of Azerbaijani descent.