Kewell, 29, was available on a free transfer after his contract at Liverpool expired and both Portsmouth and Italian club Roma were linked with a move for him.

However, Kewell has opted for a controversial move to Galatasaray that is likely to spark outrage among Leeds supporters.

They remember the Turkish club with bitterness after the murders of Whites' fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight on the eve of the Uefa Cup semi-final in 2000 which the Turkish side won
4-2 on aggregate.

Kewell played in that game and was ultimately sent-off.

Kewell left Elland Road on a sour note following comments he made about United on the back of his move to Liverpool back in 2003.

The Australian has had five seasons at Anfield but has been plagued by injury and has struggled to recapture his dazzling best that once made him a favourite at Elland Road.

Kewell signed for Leeds in 1995 and made his debut aged just 17 in March 1996 in a 1-0 home defeat by Middlesbrough. His first goal for United came in October 1997, in a 3-1 League Cup victory over Stoke City.

Playing both on the left wing and in attack, Kewell became a real favourite in an exciting young Leeds side in the Premier League, eventually playing alongside fellow Australian Mark Viduka.

Kewell has hero status in his native Australia – he has played 22 times for his country and netted seven goals.

Galatasaray are reigning Turkish champions and Kewell will now feature for them in next season's Champions League.