Famous goalkeeper to be an honorary consul to Turkey

Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon produced a surprise guest for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during their official launch meeting on Tuesday. Santos invited retired Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, who played for Turkey's Galatasaray from 2001 to 2007. After the meeting, Erdoğan said that President Santos had "made a huge gesture." Stating that Mondragon was the goalkeeper for one of the most prestigious football clubs in Turkey for six years, Erdoğan said that he appreciated the retired goalkeeper and that he watched the goalkeeper's performance during the 2014 World Cup. "It was a great surprise. I learned that Mondragon broke a record. I watched his performance during the last World Cup. I once again witnessed his admiration for Turkey. He will be our guest," Erdoğan said. Moreover, Turkish president said that Mondragon would be made an honorary consul.

For his part, Mondragon said: "This is your home. I spent six happy years in Turkey." "I want to thank Turkey's president for supporting Colombians in Turkey, as well as for the contribution to the development of our relations," Mondragon added. During the meeting, the Turkish president said that they want to host Mondragon and his family when they come to Turkey in March. Mondragon noted that he spent the best six years of his career in Turkey and that he "will not forget those days." Since his debut in 1993, Mondragon has played over 50 times for the Colombian national team, making him alongside Mario Yepes the last active members of the original 1990s golden generation of Colombian football. Mondragon represented Turkish power Galatasaray from 2001 to 2007, where he won two Super League titles in 2002 and 2006. He was appreciated by the fans for his many saves and his commitment to the success of the team, and also become known for his prayers before and during games. He came to the fore in many European matches and was selected Player of the week in the Champions League two times.