Galatasaray look to Lukunku
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Article summary
Galatasaray SK have signed R. Standard de Liège's French forward, Maboula Lukunku, for €2.8m.
Article body
Galatasaray SK have signed R. Standard de Liège's French forward, Maboula Lukunku, in a €2.8m deal.
'Top club'
Lukunku, who has signed a three-and-a-half year contract, said: "Galatasaray are a top club and [coach] Fatih Terim wanted to have me. I am very happy to go there and especially happy to leave Standard where I had problems.
Seven goals this season
The 26-year-old Lukunku, who joined Standard from AS Monaco FC in 1998, had had disagreements with club officials and team-mates, although he still managed to score seven goals in 13 games this season.
Rising standards
"I was very interested by Galatasaray because of the prestige of the club and also the results of Turkish football in general," he continued. "The national team of Turkey has become very strong like it showed in the last [FIFA] World Cup."
Scoring record
In four-and-a-half seasons at Standard, Lukunku made 98 Eerst Klasse appearances, scoring 39 goals. His record in all competitions for the club reads 113 matches and 47 goals.
