Kewell signs two-year contract with Galatasaray

ISTANBUL (AFP) - Former Liverpool star Harry Kewell on Saturday signed a two-year contract with Turkish champions Galatasaray, describing his move as a "new chapter" after five injury-stricken years at Anfield.

The Australian international said he chose Galatasaray after speaking to club officials about their plans for the team and having seen Turkey’s improving performance in international football competitions.

"For me it was a decision not to think about anything except my football. I want to enjoy my football and I think this is the place where I can come and enjoy my football," the 29-year-old winger told a televised news conference.

Kewell, who has battled a series of injuries over the past few years, has been available on a free transfer since he was released by Liverpool at the end of his contract.

"You could say it is a new chapter," Kewell said when queried over his move from Anfield to Istanbul.

"I wanted to move on and I think this is the best way to move on," he added.

Kewell, who was welcomed by throngs of supporters on arrival in Istanbul, said he was excited to have joined a club with a passionate fan base.

"I know that that fans are passionate about sport and I love that," he said. "I can’t wait to get more of it."

During his time with Leeds, Kewell played against Galatasaray in the UEFA Cup semi-final in 2000, when he was sent off.

The move to Galatasaray has ended any possibility of Kewell playing for Australia at the Beijing Olympics.

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Kewell misses Olympics to sign with Galatasaray

SYDNEY (AFP) - Former Liverpool star Harry Kewell has passed up the opportunity to play for Australia at the Beijing Olympics to pursue a club career with Turkey’s Galatasaray.

The Australian international has signed a three-year deal with the Turkish giants after five injury-plagued seasons at Anfield.

Galatasaray official Haldun Ustunel said they had reached agreement on all contract issues and Kewell was expected to arrive in Istanbul late on Friday.

"As a result of long-standing efforts, we have come to the point of recruiting a very important player to Galatasaray," Ustunel told the club’s website.

"We have agreed on all issues. He shares our excitement," said Ustunel, describing Kewell as "a great power".

The move to Galatasaray has ended any possibility of Kewell being one of Australia’s three over-age players at the Beijing Olympics.

Socceroos Archie Thompson, David Carney and Jade North are the three over-age players in the 18-man Australian under-23 squad for next month’s Games.

"It’s not easy for him as soon as he signs for a new club to ask for four weeks to go to the Olympics," said Olympics coach Graham Arnold, who played and was an assistant coach at two previous Games.

During his time with Leeds, Kewell played against Galatasaray in the UEFA Cup semi-final in 2000, when he was sent off.

Home-based defender North and Sheffield United wing-back Carney played in Australia’s World Cup qualifiers last month, while Melbourne Victory striker Thompson is recovering from a knee injury.

Arnold overlooked the claims of promising former Adelaide United strike pair, Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns, who have signed for overseas clubs.

"They are only 20 and were pretty much in between Olympic age groups and that made it pretty difficult for them," Arnold said.

North, an Athens Olympian, said: "It is a real honour to be picked to go to Beijing.

"I can’t wait to start training with them and get over there. I really hope to go in and lead by example for the younger players."

After finishing seventh in Athens, North wants to see Australia achieve more this time round, although they are grouped with defending Olympic champions Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia.

"I feel like I have been given another chance and I want to go all the way this time," North said.

Arnold said the three over-age players would bring international experience to the under-23 team in Beijing.

"The three over-age players will bring both attacking flair and strong defence to the team," he said.

The Australian squad contains seven overseas-based players, while defender Mark Milligan and striker James Troisi are currently uncontracted to overseas clubs.

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Roy Keane wants to sign Harry Kewell

Sensational news are out and it is reported that Sunderland FC are chasing Liverpool winger Harry Kewell.

It is reported that the Australian international player is out of contract at the end of the current season and Black Cats boss Roy Keane is believed to have drawn up a three-year contract to tempt him north to Wearside.

Kewell is also believed to be in talks with Scottish champions Celtic about a Bosman summer move to Glasgow, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez denied there had been any approach from either parties.

Kewell is married to English soap star Sheree Murphy whom he met at the Majestyk club in 2000. They were married in Las Vegas in May 2003 and have two children, son Taylor (born 2001) and daughter Ruby Heather Toni (born 2003). The couple had their third child, baby girl Matilda in March 2008. The family live in Hale, Cheshire, England on Broad Lane.

BIO

Full name: Harold (Marty Jr.) Kewell
Date of birth: 22 September 1978
Place of birth: Sydney, Australia
Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Playing position: Winger, Attacking Midfielder, Second striker
Current club: Liverpool
Number: 7

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Harry Kewell to leave Liverpool at the end of the season

Sensational news are out that Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez concedes that out-of-favour winger Harry Kewell could struggle to win a new contract at the club after giving his blessing for the player to join-up with Australia next week.

Australian international Kewell, whose current deal runs out in the summer, has been out of favour since the FA Cup defeat by Barnsley and was not even in the squad that travelled to Italy this week for the Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

Benitez also added that the contract will be more difficult for him and if he plays well for Australia and comes back fit he could have a part to play at the end of the season.

BIO

Full name: Harold (Marty Jr.) Kewell
Date of birth: 23 September 1978
Place of birth: Sydney, Australia
Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Playing position: Winger, Attacking Midfielder, Second striker
Current club: Liverpool
Number: 7

Previous Clubs

1995-2003: Leeds United
2003- Liverpool

Popularity: 2% [?]