Mario Lemina’s two-year stay at Wolves has come to an end as the midfielder signed for Galatasaray.
Four and a half years after leaving Galatasaray to return to Southampton following a loan spell, Lemina returns to Istanbul.
Having started the season as club captain at Wolves, some would’ve thought that the 31-year-old’s exit would come as a surprise but, the reality is far from it.
After Lemina refused to play when called up by Vitor Pereira, it became clear that the Gabon international wanted a transfer, bringing his Molineux career to a sour close.
Mario Lemina’s first words after completing Galatasaray transfer
It’s been quite the fall from grace for the former skipper, who lost captaincy after a bust-up at the London Stadium.
Following the altercation, Lemina was heavily criticised for his behaviour and played just 121 minutes in the Premier League after the incident.
Pereira admitted his disappointment in Lemina’s transfer saga, with the Wolves manager now free of the strain of having a player at the club who doesn’t want to be there.
After completing his move to Galatasaray, the Gabonese midfielder spoke for the first time upon returning to Istanbul.
“Everyone knows I love this club. I’m very happy to be back at this great club. This is an ambitious club that wants to win in all areas, like the Champions League and the Europa League. It always wants to win the title. I’m really happy to be back,” Lemina said, via Galatasaray’s official website.
What came next may not sit well with Wolves fans, as Lemina revealed that he wanted the deal done quickly and boasted his commitment to the club.
“When I got the first offer I was very excited. We wanted to build the chemistry between us, we wanted to finish this quickly. Especially the last three days were really long because I wanted to come back immediately.
“I wanted to play for this crest and this team. It’s a pleasure to be back. Our fans know me. I will give everything for the team and the fans. I hope we can achieve all the success we can together in this great club.”
The former club captain’s comments come with some irony considering the lack of commitment and professionalism he showed following his fallout at Wolves.
Wolves relieved that Lemina transfer saga is over
While Lemina conducted himself well around Compton in the days leading up to his exit, his actions since Pereira’s arrival have been far from acceptable.
From refusing to play to his puzzling social media activity, it’s been an unpleasant end for Wolves and their former club captain.
Fortunately, the Old Gold welcomed midfielder Marshall Munetsi to the club on deadline day to fill the void left by Lemina.
Finally, Wolves and Pereira can move on from the unpleasantries of the public transfer drama, with Lemina clearly desperate to get going at Galatasaray.
Wolves fans will not appreciate what Mario Lemina revealed upon completing Galatasaray transfer
