Former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan has announced his retirement from football, aged 35. The player most recently featured for Galatasaray in his native Turkey, and left them at the end of last season.
A year later, he has officially announced his retirement from professional football, capping off his career.
Arda Turan retires from football
“It has been an amazing journey for me, for my mother, for my father, for my brother, my wife and my children. I hope it has been for you as well,” Arda Turan said. “It was difficult, but it was beautiful. I give my dues to everyone who loves me, values me while playing, values me and hates me.”
The player moved to Spain with Atletico Madrid in 2011, winning the La Liga title with them and making it to the Champions League final. He then moved to Barcelona and played for them between 2015 and 2020, enduring a mixed spell in Catalonia. He is Turkey’s fifth most capped player internationally, making 100 appearances for the national team.
Upon leaving, he returned to Galatasaray and has since left the club. Turan is now targeting a career in coaching, and is taking the steps to receive certification.
