The 29-year old, who was released by Liverpool in May after an
injury-troubled spell at Anfield, was widely expected to move to
Portsmouth within the next few days.
However, the Australia international has risked the backlash of
English football fans with the decision to join the Turkish
club.
The player angered fans at Elland Road after he refused to sign a
new deal with the club, instead holding them to ransom until they
accepted a cut-price £5 million offer from Liverpool.
The move will also heighten the tension between fans of Leeds
United and their Turkish counterpart which stems from the dreadful
scenes witnessed in 2000 before the sides’ UEFA Cup semi-final,
with two innocent fans of the English club stabbed to death during
violent clashes.
It was not the first incident of violence involving Galatasaray,
with Manchester United fans also targeted by hooligan sects in 1993
and more recently during Champiosn League fixtures.
Kewell’s career has failed to hit the heights of his spell with The
Whites, where he established himself as one of the best
left-wingers in Europe, and he now looks set to sign a three-year
deal with the club.
Galatasaray’s official website has announced his arrival at the Ali
Sami Yen Stadium, news that will disappoint fans and potential
suitors alike.
