Cana leaves Sunderland for Galatasaray

TIRANA, July 12 – Champions League football and a desire to be closer to home have compelled Lorik Cana to leave England. Cana pleaded with Sunderland fans to try to understand his reasons for leaving the Black Cats to sign for Galatasaray.
The Albanian midfielder was snapped up by the Turkish outfit earlier this week and has now given his reasons for departing to the opposite side of Europe.
“I have been offered the opportunity to play in European competition and the Champions League, and especially to be closer to my family,” he said. “This was not an easy decision for me though and I hope people understand. Since the first day I arrived, I have had an amazing story with Sunderland. 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.”
The English Premier League club said it had agreed a fee in excess of 6 million euros with Galatasaray for 26-year-old Cana, who captained Sunderland last season.
Cana made 35 appearances for Sunderland, which he joined last summer from French club Marseille.
Cana told Sunderland’s website that he saw the move as a chance to be “closer to my family,” adding that he was also tempted by the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Galatasaray next season.
Cana has previously enjoyed spells in France with Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille.
He is a very important member of Albania’s national football team.