Norwich City outcast Milot Rashica has revealed Galatasaray tracked him all summer – and he was desperate to make the move to Turkey. 

Rashica sealed a season long loan exit at the end of September, after starting the Canaries’ Championship season. 

Recent reports in Turkey claim Gala are now exploring a longer term deal for the 26-year-old Kosovan international, who arrived in Norfolk from Werder Bremen in 2021 for a potential club-record transfer.     

Rashica is still under contract at Carrow Road until 2025, but had a disappointing Premier League debut. 

“I knew that Galatasaray was interested in me from the day the transfer process started, but at that time, an agreement could not be reached with Norwich City,” he said. “Then, two days before the end of the transfer window, an agreement was reached. I was very excited when I first heard about it.

"I was talking to my manager (representative) all the time. I really wanted to come to Galatasaray. A very warm bond has been established between us since day one. The fans welcomed me. Indeed, Galatasaray fans are incredible.

"They have always supported me and continue to support me. I can say that I have never seen such a fan in my career.   

“Galatasaray is a much bigger club than it looks from the outside. You understand this much better when you get into it. For me, of course, there are some differences between Turkish and European football. I don't think the Turkish league is lacking in terms of tactics and toughness.

"The intensity and severity of football here is also very high. But when I got to England there was really a different level there.

"That's what I said when I went from Germany. Everything is a little different there. I think it's okay to say that the Premier League is the best league in the world.” 

Rashica scored once in 35 Premier League appearances but has adapted well to life in Istanbul on and off the park.  

“Since I am from Kosovo, we have always followed Turkish football and Turkey closely. We are very alike as people,” he said, interviewed for Gala’s club magazine. “Many Kosovar and Albanian people live in Turkey. There are also Kosovar players playing in other clubs here.

"Apart from that, Turkey is one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo. We have close relations. I can say that the love of Galatasaray is incredibly strong in Kosovo.  

"We live in one of the most beautiful cities. Since my family also speaks Turkish they do not have any difficulties. We are really enjoying living here. Galatasaray fans continue to support us.

"We are progressing very well as a team. I hope we all celebrate the championship together at the end of the season.” 

The on-loan City winger is expected to recover from a knee injury for the return to Super Lig action on Christmas Day, with Okan Buruk’s title contenders two points behind arch rivals Fenerbahce.