‘I’ve finally made it here’ – Zaha on debut Champions League season

Wilfried Zaha says he has ‘finally made it’ after getting the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League.

The 30-year-old made his debut in the competition when Galatasaray played Copenhagen in the opening game in Group A where he grabbed an assist.

However, he was on the scoresheet for the Turkish side as they defeated his former side Manchester United on Tuesday night to worsen the woes of the Red Devils who suffered a third home loss in only their fourth game at Old Trafford.

When Zaha was approached after the game to discuss it, it became evident that it goes beyond goals and victories for him.

This was about putting oneself to the test on the biggest stage, competing against the best – and even enjoying the competition’s pre-game theme song.

Asked on TNT Sports if this first experience of Europe’s elite club competition was all he hoped it would be, he replied: “It literally is.

“It’s not even just the game, it’s the build-up. When we were driving here on the coach we were playing the Champions League music – it’s a different feeling. I’ve finally made it here.”There’s nothing like it. It’s literally playing between the best and a chance to showcase my talent between the best.

“I feel like that’s where it is decided whether you’re good or not, so days like today are what it’s all about for me.”

Zaha joined Galatasaray from Crystal Palace as a free agent during the summer transfer window.