Mario Lemina has secured silverware three months after his transfer from Wolves to Galatasaray.
Lemina left Wolves in search of making history with Galatasaray, the club he spent the 2019/20 season on loan with.
The 31-year-old went from hero to zero at Molineux in his final campaign, as after starting the season as captain, things turned very sour for the midfielder in December.
After Wolves’ defeat to West Ham, Lemina was stripped of captaincy following a bust-up on the pitch with Jarrod Bowen and even members of the club’s coaching staff, sparking the beginning of the end.
Toti Gomes sends message to Mario Lemina after Turkish cup win
When the January transfer window came around, Lemina told Vitor Pereira he wanted to leave, refusing to play for the Old Gold as he pushed for a move back to Istanbul.
Pereira granted the player’s wish, as in the first week of February, the Gabon international had his bags packed to sign for the Lions on a permanent transfer.
Things are going well for Lemina at Galatasaray, as just over three months into his contract in Istanbul, the former Wolves skipper has lifted silverware.
Galatasaray beat Trabzonspor 3-0 in the Turkish Cup final on Wednesday night, a game that he started in central midfield.
After the win, Lemina took to Instagram to celebrate the victory, posting a series of images with the caption:
“It’s time to celebrate! First trophy since my return and what a feeling! Proud of the team, proud of the fight. This one is for the fans, for the club, for the city. Let’s enjoy it… then get back to work!”
A familiar face was amongst the flood of comments, as Toti Gomes sent a four-word message to his former teammate to congratulate him.
“Standing on business twin,” Toti said, applauding the fifth domestic silverware win of Lemina’s career.
The ex-Wolves star is in a good position to collect the double with Galatasaray this season, as the Lions lead the Super Lig by eight points.
How Lemina performed in Turkish cup final
Though his departure was ugly, Lemina’s quality was often celebrated at Wolves.
It’s no surprise that the Gabon international has become a firm starter at Galatasaray, where he played 72 minutes and misplaced only two passes in the cup final.
| Mario Lemina vs Trabzonspor |
| 94% pass completion |
| 2/3 long balls |
| 2 defensive actions |
| 100% aerial duel wins |
| 1 foul |
As seen above, it was a comprehensive display from Lemina, who won 100% of his aerial duels and contributed two defensive actions.
It took the former Wolves ace no time at all to get his hands on silverware following his transfer, but at what cost, given his jaded relationship with fans at Molineux?