French Metz club midfielder Franck Ribery Tuesday signed a 3.5-year contract with Turkish first division club Galatasaray, semi-official Aantolia News Agency reported.

After signing the contract, Ribery said that he was honored to be a Galatasaray player, adding, "I have displayed my skills and capabilities with Metz. I will try to play a better football as a Galatasaray player and I will try to do my best."

"Nicolas Anelka and I arrived in Istanbul on the same day, but it was just a coincidence. However, it proves that the Turkish league is an important one and that French people are interested in this league," he said.

French striker Anelka joined Istanbul club Fenerbahce on Monday.

Galatasaray earlier signed Swiss international Hakan Yakin on loan until the end of the season.

Yakin signed with German Bundesliga club Stuttgart one year ago,but the midfielder spent most of the time on the bench.

Galatasaray has the option of signing Yakin on a longer contract at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Turkey's international defender Alpay Ozalan agreed personal terms with English Premier League side Southampton, his press advisor Cuneyt Yancinkilic said on Tuesday.

Ozalan who is playing in Japan for Urawa Red Diamonds, will join Southampton in 2005-2006 season as he has signed a 3-year contract with the English club.