Arda Turan finally became a registered Barcelona player today and even received his player number after months waiting on the sideline as a result of the reigning La Liga champions FIFA transfer ban coming to an end.
Turan was expected to leave on loan after signing a five-year deal over the summer to gain match fitness but head coach Luis Enrique insisted that the bearded winger stayed at the club to adapt to the team philosophy.
The Turkish international star is looking forward to making his debut against Espanyol on Wednesday 6 January in the Spanish Cup Last 16 first-leg.
Turan revealed that he genuinely feels part of the team and has settled into life in Barcelona thanks to his teammates who have made extra effort to make him feel welcome.
“It is a dream to be here but I arrived as a winner of many trophies and my teammates respected that. The team have been so supportive in helping me settle in and a special moment was when the whole team applauded me after Turkey booked a place in the European Championships,” Turan told the Milliyet.
Turan often sends messages on social media to Neymar and Dany Alves – how they communicate we have no idea as the bearded winger doesn’t speak Portuguese or Spanish and as far as we know Neymar and Alves do not speak Turkish.
Good morning! ? @neymarjr pic.twitter.com/sXohatH9gz
— Arda Turan (@ArdaTuran) November 9, 2015
The 28-year-old has been unable to play for Barcelona but played a key role in Turkey booking a place at France Euro 2016.
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