Turkey's Birsel Vardarli retires from basketball

By Fatih Erel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish women's basketball player Birsel Vardarli Demirmen retired on Sunday.

In a ceremony before the Turkish basketball league match on Sunday in Istanbul, Demirmen said: "I am happy to share this moment with Fenerbahce fans. l am very emotional. l do not want to cry on this beautiful day. l am grateful for the support, love and respect by Fenerbahce fans for me."

Her number seven Fenerbahce jersey retired after Demirmen, 35, ended her professional basketball career.

She won 10 league, six Turkish Cup and six Presidential Cup titles in 13 years with Fenerbahce.