- Title: SOCCER-SPAIN/ARDA Arda says he is not replacing Xavi at Barcelona
- Date: 10th July 2015
- Summary: BARCELONA, SPAIN (JULY 10, 2015) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** BARCELONA FANS WAITING IN CAMP NOU STANDS TO SEE NEW SIGNING ARDA TURAN OF TURKEY TURAN ENTERING STADIUM VARIOUS OF TURAN JUGGLING THE BALL TURAN KICKING BALL TO THE CROWD AND WAVING FANS WEARING SHIRTS WITH NAME 'ARDA' PRINTED ON THEM TURAN KISSING BARCELONA BADGE ON HIS SHIRT TURAN LEAVIN
- Embargoed: 25th July 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Spain
- Country: Spain
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVAAP5RMRBOJ1MVCE6A25OGLFMU3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Barcelona's new midfield playmaker Arda Turan said on Friday (July 10) that he has no intention of trying to fill the shoes of club legend Xavi after the higly decorated Spaniard's departure for Qatar at the end of last season.
Turkey captain Turan joined Barca this week after four seasons at Atletico Madrid. However, the 28-year-old will be unable to play in official matches until January because of a FIFA ban on the club registering new players after it breached regulations on transferring foreign under-18-year-olds.
"No-one is able to replace Xavi because his role was huge. He was not only a legend in Barcelona, but around the world. I´m a different player and I´m here to give my best and help the team, not to replace Xavi. I´m going to try to develop my style. I want to make a good impression here, but Xavi was so beloved," Turan said at his presentation news conference.
Turan said he received many offers but, even though he won´t be able to play in the next six months due to FIFA sanctions, he chose Barca.
"We received many offers, but when I heard about Barca I had to turn down every offer. It is true that I won´t be playing fro the next six months, but the time will pass quickly. Eventually I will play in Barca´s jersey and that is a dream for me. I´m waiting to begin working," he said.
When the ban ends, Turan will face stiff competition to win a place in coach Luis Enrique's team, which won the treble of Champions League, Spanish league and Cup last term.
Turan is a similar player to captain Andres Iniesta, while Barca's other midfielders include Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and promising youngsters Rafinha and Sergi Roberto.
Turan told reporters he was not planning to go out on loan for the rest of the year, after reports he might join former club Galatasaray in his native Turkey.
Asked about his new team mate Lionel Messi, Turan said the Argentine is the best player ever.
"I have a vision of football and now I´m giving my opinion as a Barcelona football player. Messi in my opinion, not only now but throughout history, is the best player in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is also special, he is among the best players in the world, but in my opinion no-one in the past or the future will be like Messi," he said.
Barca have International Champions Cup games against Los Angeles Galaxy, Manchester United, Chelsea and Fiorentina before they meet Europa League winners Sevilla in the European Super Cup on August 11.
They will begin their bid for a sixth La Liga in eight years during the weekend of August 22 and 23. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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