French defender Julien Escude has joined Turkish side Besiktas after reaching agreement to terminate his contract with Sevilla.
The experienced 32-year-old, who has represented his country 13 times, still had a year left on his contract at the Sanchez Pizjuan but was surplus to requirements for next season as boss Michel looks to completely overhaul his defence after a disappointing 2011-12 campaign.
“Escude was an important player in the Nervion club’s history and in his six-and-half seasons with Sevilla has filled his career with trophies” read a statement on Sevilla’s official website.
Besiktas also confirmed the agreement, stating that Escude would receive a salary of €900,000 per season alongside €10,000 for every game up to a maximum of 30, and the player himself declared himself happy with the move to the Super Lig.
“I will do my best for Besiktas and work hard to win games,” said Escude.
“I already know the club’s Portuguese players such as Simao, Manuel Fernandes and Ricardo Quaresma from La Liga, while I also know some of my new teammates who were with Fenerbahce when they faced Sevilla in the Champions League three years ago.”
The central defender arrived at Sevilla in January 2006 from Ajax and has since won two UEFA Cups, one European Super Cup, one Supercopa de Espana and two Copa del Reys, taking part in a total of eight finals.
Sevilla will not receive any money by way of a transfer fee but will save €2m-a-year on the player’s wages.
