US economy contracts in Q1 '25    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    EGP closes high vs. USD on Wednesday    Germany's regional inflation ticks up in April    Taiwan GDP surges on tech demand    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    UNFPA Egypt, Bayer sign agreement to promote reproductive health    Egypt to boost marine protection with new tech partnership    Eygpt's El-Sherbiny directs new cities to brace for adverse weather    CBE governor meets Beijing delegation to discuss economic, financial cooperation    Egypt's investment authority GAFI hosts forum with China to link business, innovation leaders    Cabinet approves establishment of national medical tourism council to boost healthcare sector    Egypt's Gypto Pharma, US Dawa Pharmaceuticals sign strategic alliance    Egypt's Foreign Minister calls new Somali counterpart, reaffirms support    "5,000 Years of Civilizational Dialogue" theme for Korea-Egypt 30th anniversary event    Egypt's Al-Sisi, Angola's Lourenço discuss ties, African security in Cairo talks    Egypt's Al-Mashat urges lower borrowing costs, more debt swaps at UN forum    Two new recycling projects launched in Egypt with EGP 1.7bn investment    Egypt's ambassador to Palestine congratulates Al-Sheikh on new senior state role    Egypt pleads before ICJ over Israel's obligations in occupied Palestine    Sudan conflict, bilateral ties dominate talks between Al-Sisi, Al-Burhan in Cairo    Cairo's Madinaty and Katameya Dunes Golf Courses set to host 2025 Pan Arab Golf Championship from May 7-10    Egypt's Ministry of Health launches trachoma elimination campaign in 7 governorates    EHA explores strategic partnership with Türkiye's Modest Group    Between Women Filmmakers' Caravan opens 5th round of Film Consultancy Programme for Arab filmmakers    Fourth Cairo Photo Week set for May, expanding across 14 Downtown locations    Egypt's PM follows up on Julius Nyerere dam project in Tanzania    Ancient military commander's tomb unearthed in Ismailia    Egypt's FM inspects Julius Nyerere Dam project in Tanzania    Egypt's FM praises ties with Tanzania    Egypt to host global celebration for Grand Egyptian Museum opening on July 3    Ancient Egyptian royal tomb unearthed in Sohag    Egypt hosts World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup in Somabay for 3rd consecutive year    Egyptian Minister praises Nile Basin consultations, voices GERD concerns    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



I did not join Barcelona to replace Xavi, says Arda Turan
Reuters Published in Ahram Online on 10 - 07 - 2015

Barcelona's new midfield playmaker Arda Turan has no intention of trying to fill the boots of club legend Xavi following the decorated Spaniard's departure for Qatar at the end of last season.
Turkey captain Arda joined Barca this week after four seasons at Atletico Madrid, although as things stand the 28-year-old will be unable to play in official matches until January because of a FIFA ban on registering players.
"I am here to give my best and help the team, not to replace Xavi, who is irreplaceable," Arda said at his presentation news conference on Friday.
"He is a unique figure not only at Barcelona but as an icon of world football," he added.
"I can play better or worse but I always try to do my best. My life has always been about fighting and I want to win everything.
"I am in the best team, the best stadium, and I am going to play with the best players.
"I am coming here to enjoy that and to try to show the world the best of Arda."
When the ban ends, Arda will face stiff competition to win a place in coach Luis Enrique's team, who won a treble of Champions League and Spanish league and Cup titles last term.
Arda 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.
Arda told reporters he was not planning to go out on loan for the rest of the year following reports he might join former club Galatasaray in his native Turkey.
"What is important to me is to adapt to Barca's playing style as quickly as possible," Arda said.
"As soon as I signed my contract and pulled on the shirt, I started to get nervous and I wanted to start playing. I hope these six months pass quickly."
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 Aug. 11.
They will begin their bid for a sixth La Liga in eight years the weekend of Aug. 22-23.
(For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.)
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/135024.aspx

Clic here to read the story from its source.