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Jem Karacan has written an open letter to Reading FC fans after completing his move to Galatasaray.

The former club captain brought his decade-long stay at the Madejski Stadium to an end this week when he signed a three-year deal with the Turkish giants .

Karacan, who made nearly 150 appearances for Royals, thanked the club and fans for supporting him throughout his career and sticking by him during the last two seasons, when he was suffering from a knee injury.

He also explained why he decided to join the Istanbul-based outfit.

Jem Karacan's letter

"I would like to thank everyone at Reading FC, especially the fans, for their support over the past 11 years. The last two seasons have been the most frustrating of my career and you have stuck by me and for that I will be forever grateful.



"I moved to Reading when I was 16 and it has been home ever since. I never thought that one day I would get to captain the club and to be given that honour at the start of last season by Nigel Adkins was a massive honour for me. Going out onto the pitch with Ryan against Blackburn last season with the armband on was a very proud moment for myself, and to see what the whole club did for him, his family and The Avenue School just showed what a great family club Reading are.



"There are so many people to thank. All the coaching staff I’ve worked with, Nicky Hammond, the chairman Sir John Madejski and all of the managers I’ve served starting with Mr Coppell, Brendan, Brian, Nigel and Steve. Every single one of them has helped me in my career. One person who was always there to help me was Eamonn and I know myself and a few other of the Academy graduates wouldn’t be where we are now without his guidance and that is something I will never forget.



"Winning the league in 2012 was the best feeling ever and to do it with some of my best mates in football was something else. Making my Premier League debut against Chelsea and scoring a Premier League goal were incredible moments too, and to do that all at a club I had spent my whole career at just made everything that little bit extra special.



"It took me all of yesterday evening to think about what to say here to all of the Reading faithful and just thinking about some of the moments was quite emotional. I achieved so many dreams whilst at Reading that when the opportunity to achieve another one came up I couldn’t say no.



"It's been a dream to play for Galatasaray since I was a young boy so I am absolutely delighted that I've put pen to paper to join them. I hope you can appreciate and understand the need for a fresh start in Istanbul and a new challenge at a club who will be in the Champions League next season.



"I wish the club nothing but success in the future and I’m sure you will have a great chance of challenging for promotion in the upcoming season.



"Thank you so much once again to you and all of the people who made my time at the club so amazing. URRRZZZ.



"Jem"

Read more: Charles Watts' comments on why Karacan should go with everyone's blessing.