Former Manchester City playmaker midfielder Elano from Brazil is surrounded by cheering supporters of Galatasaray at the Ataturk airport in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, July 31, 2009. Elano has signed a four-year contract with the Turkish soccer club Galatasaray. (AP Photo)
Manchester City playmaker Elano has joined Galatasaray for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday.
Brazil star Elano was a fans' favourite at Eastlands when he joined the club from Shakhtar Donetsk two years ago, but he decided to move on after falling out of favour with manager Mark Hughes last season.
"Manchester City can confirm that Elano has completed his transfer to Turkish side Galatasaray," a statement on the club's website announced.
He may have struggled to hold down a regular place in the City team this season after Hughes's spending spree on the likes of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz.
The 28-year-old, who is believed to have cost Galatasaray around eight million pounds, scored 18 goals in 80 appearances for City.
MANCHESTER CITY BOSS HAPPY TO SELL ELANO TO GALATASARAY....
boss Mark Hughes has explained the reason behind allowing Elano to join Galatasary for an undisclosed fee.
"It is a big year for him with the World Cup and he wants to stay in and around the Brazil squad," said the City boss.
"The guarantee of playing week-in, week-out, wasn't there and that was key to his decision to leave.
"It is a good deal for the club and a good deal for him."
