Johan Elmander reveals he left Bolton Wanderers for a new challenge

FA cup, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers, Johan Elmander

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Johan Elmander has revealed that he left Bolton Wanderers in order to seek a new challenge.

The Swedish striker was the club’s record signing when he joined from Toulouse for £8.2 million in June 2008, but he has decided to move on after his contract with the side ended, with Turkish side Galatasaray widely expected to complete a deal for the 29-year-old.

“I have had three good years at Bolton, especially the last 18 months, but the time is right for a new challenge,” he told Bolton’s official website.

Elmander has enjoyed a good run of form for the club this season, scoring 12 goals, and he paid tribute to Owen Coyle for helping him re-discover his form.

“The manager Owen Coyle is one of the best I have worked with and he helped me re-ignite my hunger for the game.”

The club have also decided not to renew the contracts of Jlloyd Samuel, Joey O’Brien, Tamir Cohen, Sam Sheridan, Mason McGeechan and Tom Eckersley.

However, Robbie Blake has agreed a new 12-month contract extension, while the club are also in talks to keep Tope Obadeyi and Ricardo Gardner at the Reebok.