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Hakim Ziyech had one of football’s great welcomes when he arrived at Galatasaray, but he now says he regrets the move. The Netherlands-born Morocco international arrived in Turkey just last year after his departure from Chelsea in the summer transfer window. He was initially unveiled to supporters in August 2023 after a 2-0 Super Lig win over Trabzonspor in spine-tingling scenes. Ziyech emerged among the club’s ultra group in the main stand at Rams Park and began conducting the crowd in amazing scenes as his new teammates looked on from the pitch smiling. Yet despite such an incredible start, he’s now aiming for the exit door just a year-and-a-half later. Speaking to Turkish journalist Haluk Yurekli, he laid into Galatasaray’s manager Okan Buruk in a surprising turn of events. "Galatasaray is over for me, ” he is quoted as saying. “I don't want to play here anymore. I'm leaving in January. "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 was handed 23 appearances by Buruk in his debut campaign and registered eight goals and four assists in an incredible 102-point league winning season. The 31-year-old’s loan from Chelsea was then converted into a permanent deal, suggesting things were positive. However, this term his usage has dropped off, with just eight appearances out of a possible 24; seven of those showings off the bench. That likely explains Ziyech’s anger, but his criticism of Buruk doesn’t quite stack up as Gala are once again leading the league a whole six points ahead of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. The Istanbul giants are also sixth in the league phase of the Europa League and on course to head straight into the last 16. Ziyech’s path into the line-up has been blocked by summer signings Victor Osimhen and Michy Batshuayi up front, while Dries Mertens continues to impress. His desires may also be welcomed by Galatasaray, who reportedly want to clear out a space for the loan signing of Roma’s Paulo Dybala. Ziyech made his name as a dead ball specialist at Ajax who he played for from 2016 to 2020, starring in their run to the Champions League semi-finals. He then moved to Stamford Bridge in 2020 for a reported fee of £40million, and he became a European champion with the Blues in 2021. © 2024 talk SPORT Limited

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