Lorik Cana quits Sunderland for Galatasaray

Jul 9 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

SUNDERLAND captain Lorik Cana has made a shock move to Galatasaray.

With the Black Cats reportedly talking to Sol Campbell about becoming their fifth signing of the summer, 26-year-old Cana has been the first high-profile departure.

Cana’s £5m departure was hastily arranged, manager Steve Bruce saying he only decided to sell after speaking to the Albanian when he reported back for pre-season training on Wednesday.

“Lorik’s style of play and attitude made him a natural choice as captain last season but when he came back for pre-season training it was apparent he had a desire to return to Europe,” explained Bruce. “Turkey is nearer to Albania, where his family and roots are, and it is much easier for him to see them on a more regular basis – I think this was a major factor for him.”

Kosovo-born Cana (pictured, left) holds a Swiss passport and until joining Sunderland had spent his entire career in France. Earlier this summer he was quoted as telling a university audience “there is definitely a chance” he would play for a “big club” in the coming season or the one after.

He added he was in talks with Arsène Wenger, who took him

on trial at Arsenal as a teenager. Reports implied Cana saw the Black Cats as a stepping stone.

When on Wearside, however, Cana gave no indication he was anything less than committed, immersing himself in North East culture and displaying an impressive knowledge of the histories of the region and his new club.

“Since the first day I arrived I’ve had an amazing story with Sunderland,” he said. “I knew I would find the kind of club and support I needed to play my game. The people here love their club, they have passion and a proper identity.

“I gave my all for the club and it will always be in my memory. I have been offered the opportunity to play in the Champions League, and especially to be closer to my family – this was not an easy decision for me though and I hope people understand.

“I thank everyone at Sunderland – the coaching staff, medical team, office staff, my team-mates and of course the fans. I wish the club everything it deserves and to continue moving higher and higher.”

After an impressive start, Cana’s form dipped with the team’s in mid-winter. While the Wearsiders recovered late in the campaign Cana never really did.

Having described Cana’s second-half performance from centre-back against Liverpool as “arguably, individually, as good as I’ve seen in a top, top game”, three months later Bruce reached the conclusion Cana was not a centre-half after a 7-1 mauling at Chelsea.

Bruce has a ready-made replacement in Cristian Riveros. The versatile Paraguayan has been playing as a holding midfielder at this summer’s World Cup to good effect.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are said to be in talks with Campbell, freed by Portsmouth this summer, as they continue their search for a central defender. Campbell has already spoken to Celtic.

Two World Cup players have been talking about moves to Wearside, one rejecting the possibility, the other leaving the door open.

Mexico defender Hector Moreno said: “Nobody has approached me in an official way yet, but I must admit I would like to change to another team next season. I have been told about Sunderland and other teams, but I am not very interested in playing in England, most of all because of the way of living they have.”

Ghana’s three-goal striker Asamoah Gyan is keeping his options open, however. “I always dream about playing in the Premier League,” he said. “The sooner the better.

“Sunderland? (John) Mensah said they are a good team. West Ham is attractive because they are in London and that is a great city that I love.

“But Rennes will have their say, I still have a contract with them and they are great people.”

Marcos Angeleri and David Meyler were both at training yesterday. Argentina right-back Angeleri is waiting for the Italian passport which will allow him to complete a £2m move, while Meyler is recovering from the cruciate ligament damage he suffered in the home game against Manchester United in May.