Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel arrived at the Atatürk airport in Istanbul earlier this evening via a private jet ahead of completing his move to Istanbul giants Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce shared pictures of Skrtel’s arrival on their official Twitter account. The Slovakian international was pictured wearing a Fenerbahce scarf and spoke briefly to reporters who were present to greet him on his arrival.
Martin Škrtel ?stanbul’da | https://t.co/W5IzuNZYCd pic.twitter.com/s96AqYp3t3
— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) July 12, 2016
Skrtel was quoted by Turkish Super Lig broadcaster Lig Tv as saying: “I was not expected so many people to turn up. I am delighted to be here and cannot wait to play in front of the fans.”
The 31-year-old defender revealed that there were still a few bits and pieces to sort out before he officially signs for the club but that he expects to become a Fenerbahce player by tomorrow.
“We just have a few more steps, I hope everything is sorted by tomorrow and then I can become a Fenerbahce players,” he added.
Fenerbahce and Liverpool had been locked in talks over the transfer of Skrtel for three-weeks according to his agent Karol Csonto.
“Besiktas and Roma were also in talks but Fenerbahce made the best offer and have been in negotiations for 2-3 weeks,” Csonto told Emre Sarigul.
Fenerbahce finished last season as runners-up and will play Champions League football next season.
The experienced defender is expected to partner Denmark international Simon Kjaer in defence while fellow summer signing Gregory van der Wiel who joined from PSG will fill in as a full-back and Roman Neustadter who joined from Schalke 04 is expected to be deployed in a defensive midfield role.
The three defensive defenders will replace Ba whose loan deal has expired, Gokhan Gonul joined rivals Besiktas and Bruno Alves who moved to Italy.
Fenerbahce finished last season as runners-up and lost the Turkish Cup final against Galatasaray.
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