Australian full-back Lucas Neill has confirmed he has left Everton
to join Turkish giants Galatasaray on a one-and-a-half-year
contract.
Everton were understood on Wednesday to be considering a
£750,000 bid for the defender, while Gala and the player have
both confirmed a deal has gone through.
A statement on Gala's official website read: "Galatasaray
have signed Australia international Lucas Neill on a
one-and-a-half-year deal from English Premier League side Everton."
Neill, 31, agreed a one-year deal with the Toffees in
September after becoming a free agent following the end of his
contract with West Ham.
He said in a statement: "I am delighted to have signed with
Galatasaray and play for such a big club with big ambitions in
European football.
"Galatasaray have a fantastic squad and I am looking forward
to the challenges that lie ahead."
Neill's agent, Paddy Dominguez, admitted they were surprised
at the pace at which the deal was concluded.
"This opportunity came from nowhere all of a sudden," he
said. "We were quite surprised by the speed with which Everton and
Galatasaray agreed terms, but now that the deal has been concluded
we are delighted that Lucas' future is resolved and he can
concentrate on his next challenge with Galatasaray.
"Lucas looks forward to linking up with his new team-mates
very shortly."
Neill made 12 league and two cup appearances for David Moyes'
side but did not appear in Europe, meaning he is free to play for
Gala in the Europa League.
