• Premier League

Meireles: Fener move not a backward step

ESPN staff
September 4, 2012
Raul Meireles has teamed up with former Liverpool team-mate Dirk Kuyt at Fenerbahce © PA Photos
Enlarge

New signing Raul Meireles says Fenerbahce are as big as Chelsea and Liverpool.

Meireles, 29, has signed a four-year deal with the Turkish giants after leaving Stamford Bridge. The Portugal midfielder believes his move is not a backward step and hopes to bring success to his new club.

"I can't wait to get started - Fenerbahce is as big a club as Chelsea, Liverpool and Porto," he told FB TV.

The former Liverpool man said ex-Anfield team-mate Dirk Kuyt was influential in his decision to move to Turkey.

"I had a great season playing at Liverpool with Kuyt. He told me about Fenerbahce and encouraged me to make the move," he said.

"I have friends playing in Turkey. Kuyt has told me on several occasions that Istanbul is a beautiful city. I'm very excited about the prospect of playing here."

Meireles boasts an impressive CV which includes a Champions League winner's medal from his one season with Chelsea.

He said: "I'm a team player. I love to win, but what's more important is that the team wins. I can promise the fans that I will always give it my all and be a professional. For me, it's all about work, work, work. My goal is to win trophies here, and I will do everything I can to try and make it happen."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices