- Hakim Ziyech joined Galatasaray from Chelsea in the summer of 2023
- He initially joined on loan before the deal was mad permanent this past summer
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A former Chelsea star has admitted he regrets joining Galatasaray and plans to leave the club when the mid-season transfer window opens.
Hakim Ziyech was given a hero’s welcome when he joined the Turkish club from the Blues in the summer of 2023.
There were special scenes as the Morocco international emerged among the club’s ultras at Rams Park following a Super Lig game with his new team-mates standing on the pitch and applauding.
However, things have turned sour and he is now intent on heading for the exit door.
Speaking to Turkish journalist Haluk Yurekli, Ziyech said: ‘Galatasaray is over for me. I don’t want to play here anymore. I’m leaving in January.
And the attacking midfielder also took aim at Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk.
Hakim Ziyech has admitted that he regrets joining Galatasaray and plans to leave the club
Ziyech scored 14 goals in 107 Chelsea appearances, spending three seasons at the club
‘I’ve never seen a coach of such a low level. I don’t care that much… I want to be left alone, no matter what happens. I regret coming here.’
Ziyech’s first season was a positive one despite injury issues, contributing eight goals and four assists in 23 appearances as his side claimed an incredible 102 points to lift the title.
His deal was then made permanent but this season has not gone to plan, Ziyech making just eight appearances out of a possible 24; seven of those showings off the bench.
Chelsea spent £34m to sign the Moroccan from Ajax in 2020, but despite winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with the London club, he struggled to fit into the changing nature of the Chelsea team.
In August 2023, Ziyech joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan, with the potential to turn the move into a permanent one.
The Turkish followed through on that opportunity, with Ziyech becoming their first summer signing for free despite him having a year remaining on his Chelsea contract.
The former Ajax signed a one-year deal in Istanbul with the option of a further 12 months if conditions are met.
He scored 14 goals in 107 Chelsea appearances, but fell out of favour under Graham Potter, and saw a loan move to PSG collapse on deadline day in January 2023 despite his trip to the French capital.
