Australian full-back Lucas Neill has confirmed he has left Everton to join Turkish giants Galatasaray on a one-and-a-half-year contract. A statement on Gala's official website read: "Galatasaray have signed Australia international Lucas Neill on a one-and-a-half-year deal from English Premier League side Everton."

The 31 year old agreed a one-year deal with the Toffees in September after becoming a free agent following the end of his contract with West Ham.

He said in a statement: "I am delighted to have signed with Galatasaray and play for such a big club with big ambitions in European football.

"Galatasaray have a fantastic squad and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.''

Neill's agent, Paddy Dominguez, admitted they were surprised at the pace at which the deal was concluded.

"This opportunity came from nowhere all of a sudden,'' he said.

"We were quite surprised by the speed with which Everton and Galatasaray agreed terms, but now that the deal has been concluded we are delighted that Lucas' future is resolved and he can concentrate on his next challenge with Galatasaray.

"Lucas looks forward to linking up with his new team-mates very shortly."