Tanju Çolak

Tanju Çolak is a retired Turkish footballer who is best known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, particularly during his time with Galatasaray. He was born on November 10, 1963, in Samsun, Turkey. Despite his career in football, Çolak's name has also been associated with various health issues, which will be the focus of this article.

Early Life and Career

Çolak began his football career at the age of 17 with local club Samsunspor. He quickly established himself as a prolific striker, earning a move to one of Turkey's most successful clubs, Galatasaray, in 1987. During his time at Galatasaray, Çolak won numerous Super League titles and was the league's top scorer on several occasions.

Health Issues

In the years following his retirement, Çolak has faced several health challenges. In 2008, he underwent surgery for a hernia, a condition that causes an organ or fatty tissue to squeeze through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue.

In 2012, Çolak was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). He has since become an advocate for diabetes awareness, often speaking publicly about his experiences with the disease.

Legacy

Despite his health issues, Çolak's impact on Turkish football remains significant. He is often cited as one of the greatest strikers in the history of the Turkish Super League, and his goal-scoring records still stand today.

See Also

• List of Galatasaray S.K. players
• Football in Turkey
• Diabetes management