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January 15, 2018

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Brawl at airport as Turan arrives home

Source: AFP | 00:01 UTC+8 January 15, 2018 | Print Edition

Turkish league leader Istanbul Basaksehir announced it had reached an agreement to sign midfielder Arda Turan on loan from Barcelona before the player’s homecoming sparked an embarrassing airport brawl.

“Arda Turan is returning to his country wearing the orange kit (of Basaksehir). This is not just a transfer for Basaksehir, but a transfer for all of Turkey,” club president Goksel Gumusdag said in a statement.

In a tweet, the club shared a video of a crossword being filled in with the key answers being “Arda Turan.” Barcelona also confirmed the deal in a statement.

“FC Barcelona and Istanbul Basaksehir FK agree on a loan deal for the Turkish player for the remainder of the season and two more,” Barcelona said.

Turan was welcomed by around a hundred supporters wearing orange scarves at Istanbul Ataturk airport on Saturday evening and holding “Welcome Arda Turan” signs. However, a brawl erupted at one point between fans and the police as Turan arrived while one fan fainted. The crowd shouted angry slogans at the police: “We are not terrorists but supporters!”

Turan was in high spirits, smiling and waving at the crowd, telling reporters he was “very happy” with the move. “I’m here not just for short-term goals, but for long-term success,” he was quoted as saying by Hurriyet daily.

The 30-year-old joined Barcelona in 2015 after four successful seasons with Atletico Madrid.

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