Galatasaray end search for striker

Galatasaray SK have ended their long search for a striker by signing the Brazilian Christian on a one-year loan deal from FC Girondins de Bordeaux. The Istanbul club also have the option to buy the forward at the end of the season.

Success with PSG
Christian made his name at Paris Saint-Germain FC where he played for two seasons, in 1999/00 and 2000/01. He moved to Bordeaux in 2001 but his first-team chances were limited - despite a record of 22 goals in 61 matches in Le Championnat - and he spent last season on loan at the Brazilian club SE Palmeiras. The 27-year-old holds dual nationality, both for Brazil and Portugal.

High hopes
"I am hoping to score a lot of goals at Galatasaray. I have been in regular training so I think I can play next week," Christian said. The Brazilian will be no stranger to the Ali Sami Yen Stadium having played there for PSG.

Brazilian quartet
The striker joins fellow Brazilians Felipe, Fabio Pinto and Batista at Turkey's UEFA Champions League representatives who had previously been linked with various forwards including Carsten Jancker, Nuno Gomes and Roy Makaay.