Nani joins Fenerbahce from Man United
AFP
AFP, ISTANBUL: Portuguese star Nani on Monday joined Fenerbahce from Manchester United for six million euros (4.26m, $6.7m) as the Istanbul giants seek to add a glittering array of foreign talent to their ranks for the new season.
After last months signing of Danish centre-back Simon Kjaer from French side Lille, Fenerbahce are reportedly also close to signing Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.
Nani, 28, a United player since 2007, spent all of last season on loan at his former club Sporting Lisbon and was not expected to figure in manager Louis van Gaals plans for the coming season.
The Cape Verde-born winger arrived at an Istanbul airport to a heros welcome from Fenerbahce fans late on Sunday and underwent a successful medical on Monday.
Thousands of fans then turned out at the clubs Sukru Saracoglu stadium to welcome Nani and witness the signing of his three-year contract.
I am so happy and proud to be a Fenerbahce player from today, said the Portuguese.
Clearly moved by the fans welcome, he added: From now, I am sure I made the right decision to come here. Its a great opportunity.
Nani said he would not make promises but vowed: I will give my heart for the club. I will give my best for every game.
In his eight years at United, Nani scored 41 times in 230 appearances. He won four Premier League titles and the Champions League under former manager Alex Ferguson.
Meanwhile, Nanis United teammate van Persie, 31, whose 2014/15 season was blighted by an ankle injury, could arrive in Istanbul as soon as Tuesday to agree terms with Fenerbahce, the Hurriyet daily reported.
Turkeys NTV channel meanwhile said an initial agreement had already been made for Van Persie to join on a four-year deal.
However Van Persies manager Kees Vos was quoted as dousing the speculation in Dutch media, saying the player would be reporting for pre-season training with United as normal.
Turkish press reports have said that Van Persie had been encouraged to join Fenerbahce by their former Dutch stars Dirk Kuyt who left last season after becoming a firm crowd favourite and Pierre van Hooijdonk.
