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Arda TuranA professional Turkish footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Spanish club FC Barcelona and captains the Turkish national team.
Date of Birth: 30.01.1987
Country:  Turkey |
Content:
- Early Career & Rise to Prominence
- Captaincy at Galatasaray and International Debut
- Transfer to Atletico Madrid
- Success at Atletico Madrid
- Move to FC Barcelona
- International Career
- Personal Life and Philanthropy
Early Career & Rise to Prominence
Arda Turan, the renowned Turkish attacking midfielder, began his footballing journey with the youth team of Galatasaray. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the club's main squad for the 2004-2005 season, making his official debut on January 22, 2005, in the Turkish Cup. After a loan spell at Manisaspor, Turan returned to Galatasaray and quickly established himself as a regular starter, earning international recognition in the following season. In the 2007-2008 campaign, he scored an impressive seven goals in the latter half of the season.
Captaincy at Galatasaray and International Debut
The 2009-2010 season marked a pivotal moment for Turan as he became the team's captain, inheriting the iconic number 10 jersey previously worn by legendary players like Metin Oktay and Hagi. Under Turan's leadership, Galatasaray embarked on an extraordinary six-game winning streak in the league, propelling them to the top of the standings. However, the subsequent season was marred by injuries, limiting his playing time significantly.
Transfer to Atletico Madrid
Turun's exceptional talent caught the attention of Spanish club Atletico Madrid, who signed him for a record-breaking €12 million in August 2011, making him the most expensive Turkish footballer in history. He made his debut with the number 11 jersey, and in the UEFA Europa League, he provided an assist in his first match and scored two goals in his second.
Success at Atletico Madrid
Turun quickly adapted to his new surroundings, solidifying his place as a key player for Atletico. He played a crucial role in their Super Cup victory in 2012, contributing with an assist. In the 2013-2014 Champions League, Turan scored vital goals against Zenit and Porto, helping his team reach the semifinals. In 2014, he played a pivotal role inAtletico's victory over Real Madrid, scoring the decisive goal.
Move to FC Barcelona
After a successful spell at Atletico Madrid, Turan joined FC Barcelona in July 2015 for a transfer fee of €34 million plus potential bonuses. He went on to establish himself as a versatile and effective player for the Catalan giants, winning several major trophies, including the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Super Cup.
International Career
Turun's international career began in 2006 with the Turkish national team. He has represented Turkey at various youth levels before making his debut for the senior team in a friendly match against Luxembourg. He has participated in numerous qualifying campaigns and major tournaments, including the 2008 European Championship, where he scored two goals, including the winning goal against Switzerland.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Apart from his footballing achievements, Turan is also known for his charitable work, particularly supporting projects that benefit children in need. He has faced occasional controversy, but his determination and resilience have always shone through, inspiring many young athletes in Turkey and beyond.
