Galatasaray sign homesick Cana

Galatasaray AŞ have signed Albania midfielder Lorik Cana from English side Sunderland AFC, with the 26-year-old admitting that part of his motivation was a desire "to be closer to my family".

Cana has agreed a four-year contract with the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round hopefuls, with a fee in excess of €5m reported to have been paid for the 43-times international. The former Sunderland captain said, "I have been offered the opportunity to play in European competition," and added: "This was not an easy decision for me though, and I hope people understand."

Having made his professional breakthrough in France with Paris Saint-Germain FC, winning the French Cup in 2004, Cana moved on to Olympique de Marseille in 2005. He was to be a losing French Cup finalist twice in the south of France before switching to Sunderland in the summer of 2009. Galatasaray have also signed Turkey left-back Çağlar Birinci this close season.