Manchester City's Brazilian playmaker, Elano, has opted to join Turkish giants, Galatsasaray.

The Brazil international's future at the City of Manchester Stadium had been uncertain after he found himself in and out of Mark Hughes' side last season.

He admitted earlier in the summer that he could be on the move if City received a suitable offer and he had been linked with several clubs in Italy.

Juventus were mooted as admirers of the 28-year-old, while city rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan had recently been credited with an interest.

However, Elano has accepted a surprise move to Turkey after Galatasaray confirmed he had signed a contract until 2013.

Reports have put the fee in the region of £8million - the figure City paid to sign Elano from Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk two years ago.

During his time at City, Elano scored 18 goals in 80 appearances in all competitions, but has been squeezed out by the raft of big-name signings