Arda Turan was officially presented by Barcelona on Friday. The Turkey international signed a contact which will tie him to the Catalan club until 2020. President of the electoral management board Ramon Adell unveiled the player, who later attended questions from the media.
Has anything about Barcelona surprised you?
It’s more than a club. Everyone who has known me since I was a kid knows who much I wanted to form part of this team.
Why have you decided to come to Barça, knowing that you would be ineligible to play until January?
I received a lot of offers but when the Barça option surfaced, that was that – Barça became my priority. It’s a dream to be here.
Couldn’t you have waited until after the elections?
I’m here to give my best to Barça, I keep my distance from other issues.
Do you feel a sense of responsibility to step into Xavi’s shoes?
Nobody can replace Xavi, he is an unrepeatable figure – not just at Barcelona but as an icon of world football. I’ve come here to give the best of myself and help the team – I’m not here to be Xavi’s substitute, no one is capable of doing that. I may play better or worse but I will always try to give the best I can. My life has always been a struggle. I want to win everything there is to win.
Have you spoken to Luis Enrique ?
Yes, on the phone and I was very happy to get a call from him. Luis Enrique wanted me here. I am very happy, and I have to thank him for what he’s done for me. I was my lifelong dream to be here at Barça and I’ll be doing everything possible to thank the coach for giving me this opportunity.
Presumably you will be competing with Iniesta for a regular place in the side?
I’ll play wherever the coach tells me to. I’ve always said that Iniesta is my idol but Messi is the best player in the world. I am at the best club, at the best stadium and I’ll be playing with the best players. I have come here to enjoy that and try to show the rest of the world the best Arda Turan. I am here to play football and represent my country.
What is your first memory of Barça?
When I was a young boy, I was a ball boy in Istanbul Luis Enrique scored a wonderful goal that day.
Were the gruelling training sessions part of the reason why you decided to leave Atlético?
I have never felt tired at Atlético. I always enjoyed my time there. I don’t mind suffering – you have to if you want to win. Now I have to adapt to a new system. I wouldn’t have left Atlético to join any old club.
Why is Messi a better player than Cristiano?
Messi is the best but not just right now, he’s the best player in history. He’s the best player in the world. Cristiano is special, but there will never be anyone like Messi.
Are you worried about babtling for a place with so much talent already in the Barça attack?
Why can’t the five of us play together? Why can’t Messi, Suárez, Neymar and Iniesta play together up front? You will see that here..
What squad number have you requested?
My squad number doesn’t matter. I’m at Barcelona and that’s all that matters.
Have you received any messages from your new team mates?
Iniesta sent me a message which just said “Welcome” which was a nice thing to do.
Have you considered going out on loan to keep you active during the six months when you can’t play for Barça?
I haven’t thought about that; all that concerns me right now is adapting to Barça’s style of play as quickly as possible but obviously, I can’t wait to start playing. As soon as I signed the contract and pulled on the Barça shirt, I started to feel a bit nervous and just wanted to start playing. I hope these six months pass quickly.