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Alsharq Tribune - M.Essam
Germany winger Leroy Sané has signed a three-year contract with Turkish side Galatasaray, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The forward is set to travel to the Club World Cup with Bayern Munich before his contract runs out on June 30, Sky reported.
The former Manchester City player, who has earned 70 caps for his national side, wrote a farewell message to Bayern fans ahead of his signing.
"After 5 intense years here in Munich, I've decided to start a new chapter in the upcoming season," Sané wrote on X.
"I'm incredibly proud to have worn the jersey of the best and biggest club in Germany for over 200 matches and will always cherish the titles we've won together.
" The player was warmly welcomed by hundreds of Galatasaray fans in Istanbul, where he is set to earn a guaranteed €9 million ($10.4 million) per year net before bonuses.
Wearing a Galatasaray scarf around his neck, the 29-year-old spoke briefly about his expected transfer after arriving at the airport.
"There are many top-class players in the team. When we played against Galatasaray with Bayern two years ago, we struggled enormously," said Sané.
"Of course I want to become champions here again and cause a surprise or two in the Champions League." Amid cheers from awaiting fans, Sané added: "It's already loud here, so I can't wait to have my first game at home in front of the fans.
" Sané joined Bayern from City in 2020 on a €50 million ($57.1 million) transfer. The German international has been one of Bayern's top earners and reportedly refused a significant pay cut during tough negotiations to extend his contract.
"Thank you to the club, the coaching staff, everyone behind the scenes, my teammates, and especially you, the fans, for the time we’ve shared and the memories we've made," he said in his X message.
However, his final game for the club may still lie ahead, as Bayern face three group games and a potential round of 16 clash in the US-based Club World Cup before his contract runs out.
