ARDA TURAN was the subject of a £45million bid from the Chinese Super League before he even kicked a ball for Barcelona.
Turan claims the unnamed side were desperate to land him last January, just as he was finally preparing to make his Barcelona debut following the club’s transfer embargo.
Numerous stars were poached by mega-rich Chinese clubs at the start of the year, with the likes of Jackson Martinez, Alex Teixeira and Ramires moving east for eye-watering fees.
But Barcelona were not prepared to let Turan leave so soon after buying him from Atletico Madrid six months earlier, and the Turk believes it shows the La Liga champs have real faith in his ability after additional interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Turan told Beyaz TV: “Last season a club from China offered £45m to Barcelona for me, but they rejected it because I’m a long-term project. Barcelona didn’t sign me just for six months.”
And Luis Enrique’s stance has paid dividends, with Turan already helping himself to five goals and four assists this season.
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However, the 29-year-old is currently in a stand-off with Turkey, with Fatih Terim dropping him following a woeful display at Euro 2016.
There are claims Turan fell out with the boss over bonus payments from the competition, but the national team captain insists he remains committed to his country’s cause.
Turan added: “My exclusion is not about the alleged bonus incident. I make so much money, why would I care about a bonus prize? It’s our coach’s decision.
“I don’t accept the perception that I perform below expectations on the national stage. I don’t ask ‘Why am I not called up?’ I’m always ready for the national team and always will be if they call me.”
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