Pay row settled, declares Sneijder

Galatasaray star Wesley Sneijder has revealed that he has resolved his situation at the Turkish club after not being paid for two months.

The Netherlands international had recently commented in public about Galatasaray not paying his wages for a number of weeks, confirming that his agent was looking for a resolution.

Reports had suggested that Sneijder would look to use the disagreement to help force a move away from the Istanbul-based club.

However, the 30-year-old claimed on Wednesday that he was never unduly concerned by the predicament.

The former Real Madrid man told De Telegraaf: “I was never really worried about it.

“After the disappointment against Iceland [who beat the Netherlands 2-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Monday], I am looking forward to playing in the derby against Fenerbahce [on Saturday].”

The player’s agent – Guido Albers – expanded on the issues regarding payment, noting that Sneijder would have been legally allowed to leave on a free transfer if his wages were withheld for a third month.

Albers was adamant that leaving was never on Sneijder’s agenda and believes a contract extension is far more likely than an imminent departure.

He said to Sport TV: “We have spoken with [Galatasary president] Unal Aysal and resolved the issue.

“Wesley was never thinking of leaving for another club during this period. If a player is not paid for three months he is free to leave the club.

“Sneijder was not paid for two months, but leaving Galatasaray was never on his mind.

“Together with his wife Yolanthe, he finds it excellent in Istanbul. For Wesley, it was not about the money, but as his agent I have to protect him.

“We have met with club officials three times over extending Sneijder’s contract until 2019 but we are now waiting for the next club elections.”