Norwegian international Linnes signs with Turkey's Galatasaray

Norwegian international footballer Martin Linnes arrived in Istanbul on Jan. 12 to sign a contract with Galatasaray.

"I know Galatasaray is a big club," right-back Linnes told the Istanbul side's official broadcaster on arrival at the airport. 

He was scheduled to join the team, which is currently on its winter break training in Turkey's Antalya before the Turkish League resumes on Jan. 16. 

Linnes is no stranger to Turkish football fans, having scored the third goal against Fenerbahçe in the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League group stage match while playing for Norwegian side Molde in his team's 3-1 win on Sept. 17. 

Galatasaray is third in the Turkish Spor Toto Super League standings, 10 points behind second-placed Fenerbahçe and 11 behind leader Be?ikta?. 

Although decorated with international stars such Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder and German striker Lukas Podolski, Turkey's defending champions are struggling this season, parting ways with coach Hamza Hamzao?lu in November 2015 and now looking to better days under Mustafa Denizli.Photos from site of blast in Istanbul's historic SultanahmetIn Photos: Victims of ISIL bomb attack commemorated in Sultanahmet SquareIn Photos: Turkish PM, German interior minister lay red carnations at Istanbul blast siteIn photos: Turkey commemorates Rumi with 'Night of Union' ceremony in KonyaIn Photos: Ta?yaran Valley in Aegean region to become nature parkPictures released by the Armed Forces depict destruction in southeastern Sur amid clashes, curfewIn Photos: Marks of violence visible across Nusaybin after lifting of curfewIn Photos: Turkey celebrates Christmas Eve with services In Photos: Turkey provides assistance in rare UN-backed swap dealHürriyet's...