Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara has said he initially did not want to move to Turkey, but now credits head coach Okan Buruk for convincing him to join the Istanbul club.
The 26-year-old Brazilian made the comments in interviews in Brazil and Turkey after receiving his first call-up to the Brazil national team. Sara told reporters at the Brazil team hotel in Orlando that he is living his childhood dream after being selected by coach Carlo Ancelotti for upcoming friendlies.
Sara joined Galatasaray from English Championship side Norwich City in August 2024. He said he had offers from the Premier League but none matched Galatasaray's persistence.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, he explained he was hesitant because his wife was pregnant and a move would mean a major change for his family. He said the deciding factor was a conversation with Buruk, who promised Champions League football and a platform to reach the national team.
"If you come here you will play in big matches and with your performances you can be selected for Brazil," Sara recalled Buruk telling him. Sara added that the club's promise to build a competitive team in Europe convinced him to choose Turkey.
Eighteen months later, both promises have materialized. Sara signed a five-year contract with Galatasaray for a fee of €18 million, a club-record at the time. He has become a regular starter as Galatasaray reached the Champions League round of 16 this season, where he and Buruk spoke to media ahead of the second-leg match against Liverpool on March 17 in England.
He was then named in Ancelotti's Brazil squad for friendlies against France on March 26 and Croatia on March 31 in the United States. The midfielder said the decision has been vindicated. "I made the right choice. I am proud to be here," he said.