Former Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha completed a move to Galatasaray. The 30-year-old Ivory Coast international became a free agent after his contract with Crystal Palace expired in June.
Reportedly, Crystal Palace made efforts to retain Zaha by offering him £200,000 per week to continue with the club where he had spent a significant portion of his career.
Earlier on Sunday, journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted about Galatasaray initiating talks with Zaha. Later, he confirmed that an agreement has been reached between Zaha and the Turkish club. Zaha’s signing will mark another major addition for Galatasaray, who recently acquired Cédric Bakambu. Fans of Galatasaray will undoubtedly be looking forward to seeing both Zaha and Bakambu playing side by side.
Romano had previously mentioned in a tweet that Zaha and Galatasaray had come to an agreement, and the necessary paperwork will be processed soon. The Turkish club has also scheduled medical tests for the player, hinting at a prospective three-year association between Zaha and Galatasaray. Naturally, the news of Zaha’s move to the Turkish team has generated considerable excitement on social media.
Zaha leaving Crystal Palace marks the end of an era for both parties. Throughout the majority of his career, he donned the colors of The Eagles, delivering stunning performances that made him a beloved figure at Selhurst Park. With Zaha set to embrace a new league, football enthusiasts are eager to witness how he adapts to this fresh challenge.
Zaha said in an Instagram post on Sunday that he would not be returning to Crystal Palace.
“As I start a new chapter I want to speak to you Palace fans who mean so much to me,” Zaha wrote.
“We have been through so much together, including 10 years in the Prem [Premier League]. There are loads of amazing memories that will stay in my head forever and also some really tough times along the way, but I’m so proud to have played my part in getting us to the Prem and helping to keep us there.
I’ve been wearing the Palace shirt since I was eight years old, it’s literally been my second skin and I always gave everything when I wore it.
You have all seen me angry and frustrated, but you’ve also seen my hunger and passion and the joy that I take from winning, and I hope that is the memory that lives on in the minds of Palace fans.”
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet