The midfielder's move to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium was delayed while he completed his compulsory national service with the Turkish military.

And Emre – one of the country's biggest sporting icons – was yesterday unveiled to the media after signing a four-year contract with the club.

Fenerbahce are bitter city rivals of Galatasaray, where Istanbul-born Emre – signed from Inter Milan by Graeme Souness for £3.8m in 2005 – started his professional career.

Emre said: "I have been playing in Europe for so many years, and now it is time for me to come back to my country to lead Fenerbahce to greater victories.

"I'm so happy to be here right now. While playing for Newcastle, Fenerbahce also wanted to sign me, but it was not the right time for me to leave Europe.

"I feel I'm in the right place, at the right time. My family also wanted me to come back to my country.

"Fenerbahce's Sükrü Saracoglu Stadium is the most beautiful stadium in Turkey. It's really unique, and I'm sure I will enjoy every moment that I'll spend here.

"I'm new here, but my team-mates have been great to me and we have a brilliant set of fans. I want to end my career in this great club."

Emre's time at United was hit by injury. He made 80 appearances and scored six goals during his three years on Tyneside.

The 27-year-old will always be remembered for the goal he scored against derby rivals Sunderland at St James's Park in his first season at Newcastle.