Ahinful moves to rivals

Ghanaian international Augustine Ahinful has signed a two-year contract with Turkish first division side Trabzonspor.

The striker joins another African, Guinea's Ibrahim Yattara, who has agreed a four year deal from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

The 29-year-old Ahinful, was the highest scoring African footballer in Turkey last season with 18 goals for Ankaragucu.

His transfer comes as a surprise because he had been in the process of negotiating a contract extension with Ankarakucu.

"As a matter of fact, I did not know I was coming here to Trabzon until i got off the plane from Accra,'' Ahinful told BBC Sport Online.

He said that he understodd a deal had been struck between the two clubs while he was on holiday in Ghana.

"I could have easily refused the move but the offer was too good to turn down," he admitted.

Ahinful had been targeted by several leading European clubs including Turkish giants Fenerbache and Galatasaray.

He was also reportedly on the shopping list of Spain's Real Mallorca as a possible replacement for Samuel E'to had the Cameroon striker left the club.

But Ahinful says he is happy at the turn of events especially after Ghana failed to qualify for next year's African Nations Cup.

"I don't want to talk about the Black Stars now, the state of football in Ghana is just too sad," he said.

The Ghanaian international has struggled to translate his brilliant club form into goals for his country. He scored 42 goals in just 83 appearances at Ankaragucu.

He told the BBC that the attraction of European football played a key role in his decision to accept Trabzon's offer.

Trabzon are the Turkish FA cup holders and will play in the Uefa Cup this season.

"I am focused and ready for the new season," he said.