Hakim Ziyech enjoyed one of football’s greatest welcomes when he arrived at Galatasaray, but now he says he regrets the move.
The Dutch-born Moroccan international only arrived in Turkey last year after leaving Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
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He was first introduced to fans in gruesome scenes in August 2023 after a 2-0 win in the Süper Lig over Trabzonspor.
Ziyech emerged amidst the club’s Ultra squad in the main stand at Rams Park and began directing the crowd in astonishing scenes as his new team-mates watched on, smiling, from the pitch.
But despite such an incredible start, he is headed for relegation just a year and a half later.
Speaking to Turkish journalist Haluk Yurekli, he lashed out at Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk in a surprising turn of events.
Read more about Hakim Ziyech
“Galatasaray is over for me,” he is quoted as saying. “I don’t want to play here anymore. I’m leaving in January.”
“I have never seen a coach at such a low level. I don’t care… I want to be left alone no matter what happens. I regret coming here.”
Ziyech made 23 appearances in his debut season for Buruk, recording eight goals and four assists in an incredible league-winning season with 102 points.
The 31-year-old’s loan move from Chelsea was then converted into a permanent contract, suggesting things are positive.
However, his usage has declined this season, with just eight appearances out of a possible 24; seven of those appearances came from the bench.
That probably explains Ziyech’s anger, but his criticism of Buruk isn’t entirely justified, with Gala once again leading the league by a full six points over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
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The Istanbul giants are also in sixth place in the league phase of the Europa League and are on track to move straight into the round of 16.
Ziyech’s path into the lineup has been blocked by new signings Victor Osimhen and Michy Batshuayi up front, while Dries Mertens continues to impress.
His wishes could also be welcomed by Galatasaray, who are reportedly looking to make a place for the loan signing of Paulo Dybala from Roma.
Ziyech made a name for himself as a dead ball specialist at Ajax Amsterdam, for whom he played from 2016 to 2020 and played a starring role in their run to the Champions League semi-finals.
He then moved to Stamford Bridge in 2020 for a transfer fee of £40 million and became European champions with the Blues in 2021.