'I already feel...' - Matteo Guendouzi delivers first message at new club amid Sunderland transfer links
Sunderland were linked with a swoop for Matteo Guendouzi prior to his move to Fenerbahce
Matteo Guendouzi has delivered his first message as a Fenerbahce player following his transfer to Turkey, bringing to an end speculation linking him with a move to Sunderland this month.
The midfielder, who previously worked with Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris during a shared stint at FC Lorient earlier in his career, was repeatedly touted as a target on Wearside in the build-up to the January window, but instead completed a switch to Istanbul earlier this month.
Speaking in a press conference back in November, Le Bris refused to rule out the possibility of a move for Guendouzi, hinting that he was still in contact with the player. He said: "It's too early to speak about the next transfer window, We still have connections with players, and Matteo is one because I worked with him at Lorient. But at the minute nothing, it's too early. We have really good midfielders, so we'll see."
But Sunderland ultimately missed out on the French talent following his exit from Lazio, and it would appear that, based on the early evidence, he has no regrets about choosing Fenerbahce as his next destination.
What has Matteo Guendouzi said about his transfer to Fenerbahce?
Having signed for his new club last week, Guendouzi enjoyed a dream start to his stint in Turkey, opening the scoring with a debut goal in Saturday’s Turkish Super Cup victory over rivals Galatasaray.
And taking to social media after the match, the 26-year-old was quick to suggest that he had made the right choice by deciding to move to Fenerbahce. He said: “Thank you to the fans for the love and support from day one. I already feel that I’ve arrived at a special club, a special family.
“Winning a final against our biggest rival, wearing these colors, scoring and fighting together after just two days… it means a lot to me. I’m proud to start this journey with you like this. This is only the beginning. The best is still ahead. I’m hungry, motivated, and ready to give everything for this club and these colours.”
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What did Matteo Guendouzi say after leaving Lazio?
In a message to Lazio supporters following his departure last week, Guendouzi said: “I just wanted to send you a greeting, hello to all Lazio fans. I wanted to make this short video to thank you for all the love you’ve shown me since the very first day at the airport — I remember it well. I arrived with my family and we experienced incredible emotions. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve always been honest, I’ve always tried to do my very best, I’ve always given everything for this shirt, because you deserve it. And you will truly remain forever etched in my heart.”
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