Harry Kewell revealed Galatasaray were the pick of several clubs interested in him after signing a two-year deal with the Turkish champions.
The 29-year-old, a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last
season, was confirmed as a Galatasaray player this morning.
The Australian had been linked with Portsmouth, Celtic and Roma, but Kewell
admitted Galatasaray quickly won him over.
'They're a great club,' he told Sky Sports News. 'They showed faith from the
very start.
'There were other clubs out there but they were persistent and treated me very
courteously.
'There are a lot of nice people over here, it's a great country and I'm
looking forward to it.
'There were a few other clubs involved, other English clubs, but Galatasaray
showed a lot of faith in me and were very strong from the start and that's why I
signed for them.
'It's a new chapter for me, I'm looking forward to it. They've got a great
young squad, I'm looking forward to meeting with the boys and training with
them.'
Kewell played against Galatasaray for Leeds eight years ago in a UEFA Cup
semi-final overshadowed by the stabbing to death of two fans on the eve of the
match.
His move to the club has attracted criticism from Leeds supporters, but Kewell
is hoping the negative press will be shortlived.
'It was a tragic thing what happened but we can't live in the past,' he
continued.
'We've got to look to the future and that's what I'm concentrating on.
'I gave a good nine years to Leeds and left on good terms, there shouldn't be
any bad feeling.'
The move to Turkey also seems set to end Australia's hopes Kewell would
represent them at the Olympics in Beijing next month.
The striker had said if he was without a club he would consider representing
the Olyroos as one of their three over-age players.
But Kewell admits the decision is no longer in his hands.
'The Olympics Games depended on whether I had a club or not,' he explained.
'Now I do and it's down to Galatasaray (whether I play). If they want me to go
then fair enough but my first priority is to play for Galatasaray.'
