UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Galatasaray sign homesick Cana

Galatasaray AŞ have signed Albania midfielder Lorik Cana from English side Sunderland AFC, with the 26-year-old admitting that part of his motivation was a desire "to be closer to my family".

Galatasaray sign homesick Cana
Galatasaray sign homesick Cana ©UEFA.com

Galatasaray AŞ have signed Albania midfielder Lorik Cana from English side Sunderland AFC, with the 26-year-old admitting that part of his motivation was a desire "to be closer to my family".

Cana has agreed a four-year contract with the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round hopefuls, with a fee in excess of €5m reported to have been paid for the 43-times international. The former Sunderland captain said, "I have been offered the opportunity to play in European competition," and added: "This was not an easy decision for me though, and I hope people understand."

Having made his professional breakthrough in France with Paris Saint-Germain FC, winning the French Cup in 2004, Cana moved on to Olympique de Marseille in 2005. He was to be a losing French Cup finalist twice in the south of France before switching to Sunderland in the summer of 2009. Galatasaray have also signed Turkey left-back Çağlar Birinci this close season.

Selected for you