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Senol Gunes has left South Korean side FC Seoul to return to the helm of Turkish club Trabzonspor.

The former Turkey boss, who took the national team to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup, has reached the end of his contract with the Seoul team after joining in January 2007.

In his three seasons in the capital, Gunes led the club close to the 2008 and 2009 titles but ultimately ended his tenure empty-handed.

Seoul's 2009 campaign ended last weekend with a play-off penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Chunnam Dragons.

As he left East Asia to replace Belgian Hugo Broos who was fired earlier this week after indifferent results had left the Black Sea outfit in ninth place, Gunes spoke of his affection for the fans and the club.

"I am leaving but I will never forget the fans in Seoul and my time here," he told the club's official site.

"We have come a long way together and I am sure that next year the club will keep improving and Seoul will become champions."

Seoul were knocked out of the 2009 Asian Champions League by Umm Salal of Qatar at the quarter-final stage.

"Though I had a very happy three years here, I am sorry and frustrated that we didn't win," added Gunes. "This year was especially disappointing and I am sad as anyone."