Football: Turan vows to adapt to Barca's skills game

Football: Turan vows to adapt to Barca's skills game
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Summary Turan became star of coach Diego Simeone's side after arriving in Spain from Galatasaray in 2011

BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona s new Turkish midfielder Arda Turan admitted Friday it would "not be easy" to fit in to the Spanish champions  possession-based style of play after his move from Atletico Madrid, but he felt up to the challenge.

"I will be playing in a new system and I think I can adapt to it. It will not be easy but I hope to have a good transition," the 28-year-old told a news conference after being officially presented at the club.

Turan became a star of coach Diego Simeone s tough and physical Atletico side after arriving in Spain from Galatasaray in 2011.

Now he will play behind the striking trio of Argentine star Lionel Messi, Brazil s Neymar and Uruguay s Luis Suarez in a team noted for its skills and passing-based game.

He said he had received offers from other clubs but did not hesitate to sign the five-year contract with Barcelona, reigning European champions.

The club said in a statement on July 6 that it would pay an initial fee of 34 million euros ($38 million) with a potential seven million euros more in bonuses.

Turan s transfer has still to be ratified by the club s new board after members elect a new president on July 18.

He will not be able to make his debut for Barcelona until 2016 when they serve out a FIFA transfer ban over alleged violations of rules on signing minors.


 

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