Turkish national team manager Fatih Terim has come out in defence of Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan.

Terim referred to Turan as being a star player at Barcelona and that he has been treated unfairly in the press considering he missed the first six-months due to the FIFA transfer ban imposed on the club.

“Arda is in good shape both physically and mentally. He is not only out captain but also a special member of the team,” Terim said speaking at his pre-match press conference before the Montenegro game.

“Sections of the press have been really harsh on him but they are exaggerating. Arda is a Barcelona star who missed the first six months of the season. He is a special player.”

Turan is the captain of the Turkish national side and played for the Crescent-Stars even during his six-months on the sidelines at Barcelona.

The bearded winger was criticised for his performance this season but not playing the first six-months took its toll in terms of match fitness and readiness.

Turan did manage to score twice and provide four assists in 25 games for the reigning champions winning the La Liga and Spanish Cup trophy along the way.

The experienced winger has been picked for the Turkey Euro 2016 squad and is almost certain to feature in the first-team throughout the group stages.

See More
Barcelona Player Profile: Arda Turan – The Bearded Genius
Three reasons Arda Turan could be a success at Barcelona