5 things you may not know about Arda Turan

3) Man with a golden heart

Arda is known to have a golden heart. He recently participated in a charity match in Egypt to raise funds for orphanages in the Arab world. Last year, he played a charity game at his former home (Izmir Ataturk Stadium) to raise funds for the families of the Soma mine victims.

He is especially known for helping out sick children. In May, 2014, he was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador for the Khojalay Massacre which relates to the killing of atleast 161 ethnic Azerbaijani civilians. His activities include raising awareness and promoting world peace.

He is also a family man. With his first salary, he bought a house for his parents and recently purchased a car for his brother, not just any car, a Porsche.

4) He once wanted to play for Liverpool

Players are often known to voice their love for a particular club. Some have the good fortune of playing for their loved sides while some don’t.

Arda Turan belongs to the latter category. Back at Euro 2008, Andrey Arshavin declared his love for FC Barcelona. Unfortunately, the move never materialized. In 2011, Turan, then playing for Galatasaray also voiced his love for English giants Liverpool. He said: “As I always mention, Liverpool attracts me because of their tradition.

“In Europe, I am a Liverpool supporter, so if I go to play in Europe, I would like to play for them.”

He stated that it was his dream to play for the Reds of Merseyside. However, Liverpool never came calling. Atletico Madrid did and following his exploits with Diego Simeone at the helm that took them to the La Liga title and the Champions League final he has now moved on to Camp Nou.

What seems to have been Liverpool’s loss has surely been Barcelona’s gain.

5) Turan idolises Michael Jordan and Roger Federer

The bearded midfielder is viewed as an icon by many especially in Turkey. But Arda Turan has icons belonging to other sports. Tennis legend Roger Federer and Basketball icon Michael Jordan are athletes he looks up to. In a interview, he had stated, “I always strive to improve, the best sportsmen and woman always strive to be better. That is why Michael Jordan and Federer are my icons.”

Both these legends are known not only for their skills and abilities on the field but also their grace and their human nature. Teammates of Turan have often described him as kind-hearted and nice person who is emotional about the things that he believes in.