The 33-year-old moves to the BJK İnönü Stadium this winter on a two-and-a-half year deal – confirmed today by Dutch newspaper ‘De Telegraaf‘ – which will earn him between €10-€15m.
With the 2014 World Cup just round the corner, this move to Turkey seems like a ploy to put himself firmly in contention for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s star-studded Brazil squad.
Named the 2013 South American Player of the Year by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais, the former two-time World Player of the Year bagged a sensational 17 goals and 11 assists in the 36 games last year.
His exploits led his now former side Atlético Mineiro to the 2013 Copa Libertadores, and if he keep up his terrific form, this move to Turkey could well put him on the plane back to Brazil for the summer Finals.
