Alexandru Cikaldau has been loaned to Turkish club Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Ittihad Kalba, both groups announced on Saturday.

Oleksandr ChikaldauPhoto: Anatoly Medved / Zuma Press / Profimedia

Galata clarified that the Romanian player’s salary will be paid by the United Arab Emirates team during the loan period.

Cicaldeu was transferred to Galatasaray a year ago from the University of Craiova for €6.5 million.

The midfielder played 41 matches for Galatasaray, scored 5 goals and provided 4 decisive assists.

“I would like to thank the Galatasaray team, players, coaches and all the staff. It was a year full of ups and downs, a very special year for me. Good luck, hope to see you again as a winner. See you!” – Alexander Chikaldauon Instagram.

Cicâldău will be the third Romanian to play for Ittihad Kalba, a team that finished last season in 11th place in the UAE Pro League. Previously, Mihai Costea and Florentin Matei played for the yellow and black, writes Agerpres.