Dirk Kuyt has a taste for Turkish Delight

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands   ●   Dirk Kuyt is leaving Liverpool for Fenerbahce in Turkey. The Dutch striker signed for three years in Turkey after a six-year stay at Merseyside.

The news of Dirk Kuyt leaving Liverpool, came just a few days after Liverpool announced their appointment of new coach Brendan Rodgers.

Kuyt, who spend most of his last season at Liverpool on the bench, insists though the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager had nothing to do with his decision to join Fenerbahce.

“After six years I am ready for a new challenge,” Kuyt said on the website of his management, www.sport-promotion.nl.

“The appointment of the new coach has nothing to do with it. But when Fenerbahce came to me and made their ambitions known, from the first moment I was sold. They give me the confidence that I lost.”

Kuyt, who had a year to run on his Anfield contract, had been expected to leave Merseyside this summer after a season in which he scored just two Premier League goals. He claimed last week he had attracted interest from a host of clubs across Europe.

“There was interest from a lot of European teams, but with Fenerbahce it immediately clicked.

“It is not only a club with a huge history, they always wants to play for prizes and championships. And of course, next season they will play in the Champions League.

“Fenerbahce is a big club with the same ambitions I have. We both want to win prizes, which made the choice easier.”

Dirk Kuyt also remembered Fenerbahce from his time with Feyenoord Rotterdam and although there is a fantastic atmosphere in Liverpool, he is eager to taste the Turkish football delights.

“What I can remember is the unbelievable ambiance and the hectic that goes along with it. It is something totally difference and something I really would like to experience.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of Liverpool and I will be always grateful for the support of the fans, my team mates and the coaches.

“I’ve had a fantastic time at Liverpool and the club and the fans will be forever in my heart.

“It was time to move on though and I must say after the Liverpool red, the yellow and blue of Fenerbahce suits me really well”, concludes the Dutchman, who is glad the deal came through before the Euro’s, with a wink.