Galatasaray have completed the signing of former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
The Athletic reported last week that Galatasaray were closing in on an agreement to sign the 30-year-old winger on a free transfer, after Zaha’s contract with Palace expired in June.
Galatasaray have now confirmed his arrival and Zaha took to social media to say officially goodbye to Palace fans.
He said: “We have been through so much, together, including ten years in the Premier League. There are loads of amazing memories that will stay in my head forever and also some really tough times along the way, but I am so proud to have played my part in getting us to the Premier League and helping to keep us there.
✍️ Wilfried Zaha, Galatasaray'da! 💛❤️ pic.twitter.com/TafBOhwVqM
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) July 24, 2023
“I’ve been wearing the Palace shirt since I was eight years old. It’s literally been my second skin and I always gave everything when I wore it. You have all seen me angry and frustrated, but you’ve also seen my hunger and passion and the joy that I take from winning, and I hope that is the memory that lives on in the minds of Palace fans.
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“I grew up two roads away from the bright lights and loud crowds of Selhurst Park, having no idea that I would be at the centre of it all one day, and have the amazing journey I’ve had with this amazing club. I want to thank Steve Parish, all of my teammates, coaches, and the entire Palace fanbase for always believing in me and encouraging me to get to where I am today.
“I have been blessed to play in front of you and call you family from the day you accepted me. From the bottom of my heart, I’m forever grateful.”
GO DEEPER
'Not easy - but an icon': The real Wilfried Zaha - by those who know him best
Zaha joined Palace’s academy at the age of 12 and was handed his senior debut in 2010 during a 2-1 home loss to Cardiff City.
The forward went on to make 458 appearances in total for the club across his two spells at Selhurst Park, scoring 90 goals and providing 76 assists.
He has scored the most goals Palace in Premier League history (68), 33 more than Christian Benteke in second, and has been named Palace’s player of the season three times.
Palace face newly promoted Sheffield United in their opening game of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Is Zaha the best player in Palace’s history?
Analysis by The Athletic’s Crystal Palace reporter Matt Woosnam.
Given his outwardly tempestuous nature, the thought of Zaha having the honour of the captaincy bestowed on him might once have been inconceivable.
But Hodgson handed him the armband for Palace’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United, his former club, at Old Trafford in September 2020 and he responded with two goals to repay the faith.
“He takes a lot of responsibility, and that desire is why I gave him the captain’s armband,” said Hodgson. It was a mark, too, of how much he had matured.
In that context, it is no surprise that he still serves to inspire a young Palace team, accepting responsibility and guiding a new generation of talent.
GO DEEPER
Wilfried Zaha turns 30: The moments that made Palace's GOAT
(Photo: Getty Images)