A former Chelsea star has admitted he regrets joining Galatasaray and plans to leave the club when the mid-season transfer window opens.
Hakim Ziyech was given a hero’s welcome when he joined the Turkish club from the Blues in the summer of 2023.
There were special scenes as the Morocco international emerged among the club’s ultras at Rams Park following a Super Lig game with his new team-mates standing on the pitch and applauding.
However, things have turned sour and he is now intent on heading for the exit door.
Speaking to Turkish journalist Haluk Yurekli, Ziyech said: ‘Galatasaray is over for me. I don’t want to play here anymore. I’m leaving in January.
And the attacking midfielder also took aim at Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk.
‘I’ve never seen a coach of such a low level. I don’t care that much… I want to be left alone, no matter what happens. I regret coming here.’
Ziyech’s first season was a successful one, making contributing eight goals and four assists in 23 appearances as his side claimed an incredible 102 points to lift the title.
Chelsea spent £34m to sign the Moroccan from Ajax in 2020, but despite winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with the London club, he struggled to fit into the changing nature of the Chelsea team.
In August 2023, Ziyech joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan, with the potential to turn the move into a permanent one.
The Turkish side have followed through on that opportunity, with Ziyech becoming their first summer signing for free despite him having a year remaining on his Chelsea contract.
The former Ajax star has signed a one-year deal in Istanbul with the option of a further 12 months if conditions are met.
Ziyech was hampered by injuries in the 2023-24 season but managed to score eight goals and provide four assists in all competitions as Galatasaray pipped rivals Fenerbahce to the Turkish league title.
He scored 14 goals in 107 Chelsea appearances, but fell out of favour under Graham Potter, and saw a loan move to PSG collapse on deadline day in January 2023 despite his trip to the French capital.
