Turkey coach Fatih Terim said he would probably leave following their unlucky 3-2 defeat by Germany in the Euro 2008 semi-finals.

Given the way his determined and depleted side played and the gracious manner in which Terim conducted himself, a move to a big European club may not be far away.

Of course the former Galatasaray boss already had short stints at AC Milan and Fiorentina at the start of the decade. The Italian media and fans were suspicious of a Turkish manager and he was not given ample time to show what he could do.

After dealing with a raft of suspensions and injuries and still leading Turkey to an unprecedented European Championship semi-final, he fully deserves another opportunity at a top European club. His side never gave up, scoring some improbable late goals, and against Germany in Basel they were better side for much of the game and should have won.

I was most impressed with his amazing dignity in the pre and post match news conferences. He refused to make the suspensions an excuse or criticise the referees. The snappy dresser, who changes his sweaty shirts in the dugout, also congratulated Germany and said they had to accept the result even if they were unfortunate.

So which club chairman will be singing “you’re the one for me, Fatih”?

(Apologies to those who do not know obscure songs by British crooner Morrissey.)

Mark Meadows in Basel

PHOTO: Turkey coach Fatih Terim after their Euro 2008 semi-final defeat by Germany at St Jakob Park stadium in Basel, June 25. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen