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HE'S JONG GONE

Ex-Manchester City star Nigel de Jong leaves Turkish giants Galatasaray to join Mainz

Dutch midfielder completed his switch to the Bundesliga after his contract expired with the Turkish giants

Former Manchester City star Nigel de Jong has completed his move to Mainz.

The 33-year-old signed a contract at the Opel Arena until summer 2018 after his Galatasaray deal expired.

Nigel de Jong boasts 81 caps for the Netherlands international side

PA:Empics Sport
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Nigel de Jong boasts 81 caps for the Netherlands international side

The Turkish giants confirmed on the club’s homepage that the De Jong’s contract had ended at the Türk Telekom Stadium.


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He had fallen out of favour in Istanbul and he was not even given a squad number this season.

After signing the deal, he said: “I like Mainz’s story.

“The club has established itself in the Bundesliga off its own back.

The 33-year-old is renowned for his spell in the Premier League with City

Bradley Ormesher - The Times
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The 33-year-old is renowned for his spell in the Premier League with City

“I want to help the team and the club achieve its aims this season and I can only thank Sandro Schwarz and Rouven Schroder for giving me the chance here.

“I’m really pleased to be back in the Bundesliga, one of Europe’s top leagues.”

The Dutchman was strongly linked with a move back to Ajax, but Mainz acted efficiently as they looked to fill the void left by Fabian Frei’s departure.

Mainz sporting director Schroder said: “Nigel is a leader and a fighter, but has a cool head and is very professional.

The 33-year-old fell out of favour with the Turkish giants

Getty - Contributor
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The 33-year-old fell out of favour with the Turkish giants

“He’s going to help the team with his experience and give us a real boost ahead of the second half of the season.

“We’re really pleased to bring in a player of his quality.”

He joined AC Milan in 2012 for a fee of £3.5m

Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
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He joined AC Milan in 2012 for a fee of £3.5m

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