Kewell defends Turkish move

EPA ©

Harry Kewell has defended his decision to join Turkish club Galatasaray after the move drew criticism from fans of his former club, Leeds United.

The Australian joined the Istanbul-based team on a two-year deal as a free agent after his contract at Liverpool expired in May.

But his choice sparked controversy among supporters of Leeds, the club he left in 2003 for Anfield, where he spent five injury-troubled seasons.

Two Leeds fans - Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight - were stabbed to death by Turkish football hooligans on the eve of the 2000 UEFA Cup semi-final first leg against Galatasaray.

Kewell played in that match which went ahead despite the tragedy - the 2-0 defeat immaterial to Leeds and their fans who still remember the murders of Loftus and Speight with deep sadness.

Leeds United Supporters' Club chairman Ray Fell said Kewell's move was disappointing while fans also criticised the move on the BBC's Internet football forum.

But Kewell, who arrived in Istanbul on Friday night to put pen to paper, defended his decision.

"It was a tragic thing, what happened, but we can't live in the past," Kewell told Sky Sports News.

"We've got to look to the future and that's what I'm concentrating on.

"I gave a good nine years to Leeds and left on good terms, there shouldn't be any bad feeling."

Fell said while it was Kewell's career and his choice to make, he expected many Leeds fans to "express their regrets."

"It's disappointing, to put it mildly," Fell told the Guardian.

"Time has passed but there are people in Leeds close to the two lads we lost who will find it harder to move on."

Galatasaray are also involved in one of world sport's most bitter rivalries with fellow Istanbul side Fenerbahce.

Violent clashes and street fights are usual at derbies between the two.

Deaths among fighting fans are not uncommon and banners proclaiming "Welcome To Hell" add to the intimidating atmosphere at Galatasaray's Al Sami Yen Stadium.

Kewell's move is surprising after he had been liked with Italian club Roma and English Premier League outfits Portsmouth and Fulham since starring in the Socceroos' recent World Cup qualifiers.

But Kewell, who was welcomed by throngs of supporters on arrival in Istanbul, said he was excited to have joined a club with a passionate fan base.

"I know that the fans are passionate about sport and I love that," he said.

"I can't wait to get more of it."

Kewell was not named as one of the three over-age players in Australia's 18-man squad for the Olympics after telling Olyroos coach Graham Arnold he would be unable to commit fully because of his negotiations with the Turkish club.

He is one of several Australians to ply their trade in Turkey.

Socceroos Josip Skoko, Mile Sterjovski and Nick Carle have all had stints in Turkey, goalkeeper Michael Petkovic has spent the past four years there, while young striker Bruce Djite has just signed for Ankara-based Genclerbirligi.

Turkey's national team made the Euro 2008 semi-finals last month, highlighting the strength of their league.