Barcelona’s Turan joins Istanbul Basaksehir

Ankara: Turkish league leaders Istanbul Basaksehir have signed midfielder Arda Turan on a two-and-a-half season loan deal from Barcelona.

“I am excited to be back to doing what I love most: playing football. I missed football so much,” Turan said after not making a single appearance for Barcelona this season.

One point clear of city rivals Galatasaray, who Turan played for from 2005-11, after 17 games, the midfielder’s arrival is expected to help push the club to a maiden Super Lig title.

Turan will find himself in a dressing room of a an ambitious club with a growing pedigree as former Manchester City pair Emmanuel Adebayor and Gael Clichy are among the most high-profile members of the current squad. “I think we are one of the most important candidates for the championship this season,” he said. (Reuters)