Wilfried Zaha sends Galatasaray fans wild as he poses in club scarf after touching down in Turkey ahead of free transfer


Wilfried Zaha is set to join Galatasaray to end one of football’s longest running transfer sagas.

The 30-year-old, a long-time target for Arsenal and Everton, will link up with the Super Lig champions on a free transfer after running his contract down at Crystal Palace.

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Zaha is poised to link up with Galatasaray on a free transferCredit: Getty
The Ivorian is a free agent after departing Crystal Palace

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The Ivorian is a free agent after departing Crystal PalaceCredit: @GalatasaraySK
Hundreds of fans gathered to greet Zaha after he touched down in Turkey

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Hundreds of fans gathered to greet Zaha after he touched down in TurkeyCredit: Getty

Galatasaray had announced on Sunday that they were in talks to sign the Ivory Coast international, with Zaha boarding a flight to Turkey.

And upon touching down at Ataturk Airport, hundreds of fans were there to give the ex-Manchester United forward a hero’s welcome.

Zaha, who was draped in a Galatasaray scarf, then whipped the ultras into a friendly after taking part in a club chant.

Okan Burak’s side then shared multiple pictures of Zaha on Twitter which showed the player signing autographs and waving to the supporters.

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He then gave a brief interview to the club’s media team, where he said: “I’m happy.

“I’m happy to here, I’m looking forward to seeing the stadium, meeting my teammates and just getting started.”

Zaha then addressed a message to the fans, where he remarked: “Thank you for the support.

“I look forward to doing what I do on the pitch and hopefully win as much as possible.”

Galatasaray are expected to officially confirm the signing on Zaha imminently

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Galatasaray are expected to officially confirm the signing on Zaha imminentlyCredit: @GalatasaraySK

Zaha will likely now undergo his medical ahead of his switch to Galatasaray on Monday before the club officially confirm his arrival.

The former England international has been vocal in the past of his desire to test himself in the Champions League.

And he would able to feature in Europe’s premier competition with Galatasaray.

They have qualified for the second round of qualifying for next season’s edition after winning the Turkish top-flight.

Galatasaray have fended off interest from rivals Fenerbahce and Italian outfit Lazio in the race to snap up Zaha.

He had also been linked with a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia, while Paris Saint-Germain had been credited with an interest in their quest to replace Lionel Messi.





Source link: https://talksport.com/football/1509293/wilfried-zaha-galatasaray-free-transfer/

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