Norwich City’s decision to sell Gabriel Sara now has an extra layer to it, with the former Canaries midfielder using his first Brazil call-up to explain why that exit made sense for him.

Carlo Ancelotti included the 26-year-old in Brazil’s squad for the March friendlies against France and Croatia, handing him a first senior international opportunity after a strong season at Galatasaray.

Sara’s rise will not surprise Norwich City supporters. He was one of the Championship’s standout midfielders in 2023-24, finishing with 14 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Canaries.

In the league alone, FBref credits him with 13 goals and 12 assists from 46 Championship starts, which underlined just how central he had become at Carrow Road before the Turkish move arrived.

Galatasaray then took him to Istanbul in August 2024 on a contract running to June 2029, for a reported €18m (£15.5m) to Norwich City, with another €3m (£2.6m) possible in bonuses.

That was a big sale for a Championship club, even if it also meant losing one of their most productive players. However, it proved to be a bargain for the Turkish side.

First Brazil call-up brings gratitude

Gabriel Sara spoke...