Wilfried Zaha admits it has always been his goal to play in the Champions League and that he felt the moment was perfect to leave Crystal Palace.
When his new team, Galatasaray, plays Manchester United tonight in the Champions League group stage, 30-year-old forward Zaha, who was reared in South London, returns to England.
Zaha decided to go for the Turkish giants in the summer despite Selhurst Park offering him a club-record £200,000 a week.
At age 17, the Ivory Coast international made his first appearance for the Crystal Palace first team. Over the course of two periods, he went on to make 458 senior games.
Zaha responded, “It was difficult,” when TNTSports questioned her about the choice.
But at the same time, I reasoned, ‘It’s time for me to move on now.’
“There were young players making their way up, and I thought it offered them a chance to stand out as well.
“I had been at Crystal Palace for a very long period, and I thought I had done everything there.
“Playing in the Champions League has always been a goal of mine, so when the chance finally presented itself, I couldn’t pass it up.
“I had to bid Crystal Palace, the team I adored for many years, farewell.
It’s a new adventure for me, but I still adore them.
He holds the club records for both Premier League goals and appearances.
