By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:14 PM on 06th July 2008
Former Leeds United winger Kewell joined the Turkish champions even though two Leeds fans were stabbed to death prior to a European tie against the Yorkshire side in Istanbul eight years ago.
Kewell, 29, signed a two-year contract and said Europe's most notorious set of supporters had helped convince him to join.
'I've never known anything like the reception at Istanbul Airport,' he said.
'There were thousands mobbing me and chanting my name. I always knew they were passionate about their team but that was something I've never experienced before.'
Portsmouth, Blackburn and Fulham were the three Barclays Premier League sides competing to sign Kewell following his release by Liverpool.
A source close to the Australia winger said: 'There were approaches from clubs all over Europe but some wanted to impose ridiculous conditions to guard against injuries. We got the impression some people were taking the mickey.'
Scott Carson looks to be heading to Stoke City. The Liverpool goalkeeper is waiting tohear whether his club will again allow him to go out on loan.
Peter Crouch will finally become a Portsmouth player today. Liverpool will receive £8million up front with £3million to follow in add-ons.
Gareth Barry is close to ending the saga over his future after Steve Finnan was added as a makeweight in Liverpool’s cash offer for the Villa midfielder.
Former Leeds United winger Kewell joined the Turkish champions even though two Leeds fans were stabbed to death prior to a European tie against the Yorkshire side in Istanbul eight years ago.
Kewell, 29, signed a two-year contract and said Europe's most notorious set of supporters had helped convince him to join.
'I've never known anything like the reception at Istanbul Airport,' he said.
'There were thousands mobbing me and chanting my name. I always knew they were passionate about their team but that was something I've never experienced before.'
Portsmouth, Blackburn and Fulham were the three Barclays Premier League sides competing to sign Kewell following his release by Liverpool.
A source close to the Australia winger said: 'There were approaches from clubs all over Europe but some wanted to impose ridiculous conditions to guard against injuries. We got the impression some people were taking the mickey.'
Scott Carson looks to be heading to Stoke City. The Liverpool goalkeeper is waiting tohear whether his club will again allow him to go out on loan.
Peter Crouch will finally become a Portsmouth player today. Liverpool will receive £8million up front with £3million to follow in add-ons.
Gareth Barry is close to ending the saga over his future after Steve Finnan was added as a makeweight in Liverpool’s cash offer for the Villa midfielder.
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utusanLFC :
When his name was confirmed to be bought 5 years ago, I follow the story closely. Every hour I refresh my internet. The saga was almost similar to what we have with Barry entry to our club. CONTROVERSIAL. Contrary to Barry, when LFC wanted to buy Kewell, the excitement were there. We remember how Kewell assisted Viduka in inflicting 4-0 against the likes of Emile Heskey and Owen when they played in Anfield. That show the talent of Aussies and Leeds... then. That's why Kewell was so welcomed when the club persuing him. But all in all... not much can be remembered about Keweel time's in Anfield, aside than the beautiful goal against Everton. The team just lost Gerrard (2 yellow cards) but ended up winning 3-1. That goal of his was memorable. But that's it. The rest are grouses. The way he limped out of Istanbul in the final really pissed me off. So now... he's leaving, I guess it is for a mutual benefit. Kewell himself and us LFC. I'm sure we will crossed path with Galatasarray soon. However, we must Thank You Kewell for all the good memories. Thank you!
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