Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan admits he has been thinking about Saturday’s encounter with Atletico Madrid “for a long time”.
The Turkey international is preparing to take on Los Colchoneros for the first time since his €41m transfer last summer, and he is relishing the prospect of facing his former teammates, whom he still “loves”.
“I’ve been thinking about this game for a long time because I love Atleti,” he was quoted as saying by AS.
“I’m a little nervous now, but I won’t be when I get onto the pitch. I’ll be focused and enjoy it.
“[On the game falling on his birthday], I’ll only have a good [29th] birthday if we win. We have objectives [to meet] this season.
“For three or four years, Atletico have been very strong and loyal to the idea of team play.
“My teammates have made me feel like a part of the team, and both mentally and physically, I feel great.”
