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Galatasaray's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara dreams of one day playing in England's Premier League, but is currently fully focused on the Istanbul club. He shared his ambitions while speaking to Anadolu Agency during the team's preseason training camp in the Austrian Alpine town of Windischgarsten.
Addressing transfer speculation that circulated about him at the end of last season, the 27-year-old said reports had spread on social media despite no contact from any club.
“I have a dream of playing in the Premier League. There is a place and time for that. I am very happy where I am. We want to achieve good things at Galatasaray,” Sara said.
Sara said Galatasaray's target is a fifth consecutive Trendyol Super Lig title and a stronger run in the UEFA Champions League this season.
“Right now I am completely focused on Galatasaray. If the time and place come and it benefits the club, that situation will be considered,” he said.
Sara also spoke about working under Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk, who previously played for the club.
“He knows how things work here because he played as a footballer at this club before. Okan Buruk is very experienced. I enjoy working with him,” he said.
On his position on the field, Sara said he feels most effective playing as a number 8 but is comfortable filling in elsewhere, including as a number 10 or center back, if the coach requires it.
Sara described playing in the Champions League as a long-held personal dream, one he said was fulfilled after being named man of the match in a 5-2 win over Juventus in last season's last-16 playoff round.
He said he was not entirely satisfied with his overall performance in the competition last season, having started many matches from the bench, and that he believes he can do better.
Sara said this season will be the toughest yet in the pursuit of a fifth consecutive Trendyol Super Lig title, attributing the challenge to the team's own mentality rather than its rivals. He said he is not making promises but is excited about the season ahead.
On the international stage, Sara said missing Brazil's squad for this year's FIFA World Cup due to injury has left him more motivated, adding that a strong club season is his path back into the national team setup, which he described as one of his main goals.
Sara also addressed his friendship with Galatasaray teammate and Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, describing him, jokingly, as his "biggest enemy" before adding that the two are close friends who joke around and maintain a high level of both rivalry and friendship.
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