“Drogba impacted my decision to join Galatasaray” – Wilfred Zaha

New Galatasaray man Wilfred Zaha has revealed that he spoke with Didier Drogba before moving to Turkey.

The Ivory Coast international made an unexpected move to join Galatasaray this summer. The 30-year-old rejected a contract extension offer from Crystal Palace earlier before switching clubs.

Zaha had been expected to stay in the Premier League, but is now set to play in Turkey. He signed for his new club on a three-year contract.

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Zaha said: “Obviously this will be my first opportunity to be part of the Champions League. So my mindset is to come here and do my best. Try and help the club win titles and get as far as possible.”

He added: “I’ve asked a few friends, I asked Patrick Van Aanholt who came here.

“I asked Drogba and he told me it was amazing. I just can’t wait to step in here and see it for myself.”

Zaha joined Manchester United in 2013 but returned to Palace a year later, initially on loan.

In October 2021, Zaha became the first Palace player to reach 50 top-flight goals for the club. He reached the milestone when he scored in a 2-0 win over Manchester City.