Fenerbahce's new signing Moussa Sow says he didn't want to leave Lille during the transfer window.
Striker says he was forced out of Lille
Fenerbahce's new signing Moussa Sow says he didn't want to leave Lille during the transfer window.
The 26-year-old has moved to the Turkish side on a four-and-a-half year deal, after Lille accepted a bid of €13million.
The Senegalese striker says he wanted to stay in North France and extend his current contract, but that Lille did not want him.
In
L'Equipe, last season Ligue 1 top scorer slammed Lille officials: "Did I want to leave Lille during the winter break? Absolutely not.
"Moussa Sow didn't initiate contact with Fenerbahce. I believe it was the club (Lille). There were already contacts last summer, but I wanted to go on at Lille.
Surprise
"Before winter break, in my mind I was not set to leave. How did I react? Badly. I was surprised and disappointed.
"I know football is just like that , but I didn't expect that. A lot of people didn't understand, just like me.
"I want the fans to know I didn't want to leave. Indeed, I could have stayed anyway, but I would not have been at ease, knowing the club didn't really rely on me anymore.
"I can understand the club's position. May be they thought they would sell me for less money in July, or there was a risk I could leave for free in 2013. I was thinking I could leave next summer.
"If LOSC had made me an offer, I would have stayed. But since the end of last talks, there have been nothing.
Wages
"Lille officials stated I asked for too big wages? When I heard the chairman saying: 'To be greedy you have to confirm'. I never spat in anyone's face. When you hear that in your chairman's mouth, it hurts.
"Why did I finally choose to join Fenerbahce? There were others clubs, but for next summer. English clubs could have made offers this winter, but I was not so attracted. Fenerbahce is a great club in Turkey."
