Arda Turan: I have enjoyed watching Barça since I was little

Arda Turan has been a busy man in the days before he begins training with his new team mates. Monday is when the midfielder will start work under the watchful eye of coach Luis Enrique, following on from his official presentation as a Barça player on Friday. After signing his contract, speaking to the press and then emerging out on to the field at Camp Nou in a Barça shirt for the very first time, Turan also gave an interview to the Club’s official media. Talking to Barça TV, the new signing spoke about his first few days in Barcelona and his initial impressions as an FC Barcelona player. The full interview will be available on Tuesday 14 July in Barça GamePass.

Here are the highlights of what he had to say:

On signing with Barça

"It’s a wonderful feeling. I’m where I’ve always wanted to be."

"I’ve had my dream come true."

On what he thinks of Barça:

"I’m really happy, I knew Barça was more than a club. But it’s much bigger than that."

"Barça is the best team in the world but, more than that, it’s the team with the best football on the planet."

"Ever since I was a boy I have enjoyed watching Barça, and now I’m here."

On the reactions on Turkey:

"Turkey is watching me. I’m an example of how hard work can take you anywhere."

"I’m very proud to be able to help push Turkish youngsters to work hard every day to try and get to this level."

On his goals:

"If I can show that I deserve to be here by winning titles, I’ll be even prouder."

On his past:

"Every time I’ve played against Barça I’ve played hard and tried to control the ball."

On Barça's rivals:

"Being here now demonstrates that I can play on this team, and I want our rivals to have a tough time against Barça."