Fans blast ‘overweight’ Arda Turan as he makes Galatasaray return

Arda Turan made his long-awaited return to action on Saturday, but it didn’t go as planned for the 34-year-old midfielder. Brought on in the 62nd minute of Galatasaray’s home league match against Giresunspor, Turan couldn’t help his side turn the score around as the team from Istanbul fell to a 1-0 defeat.

This was the former Barcelona and Atlético Madrid player’s first appearance in 142 days, with his last outing coming in Europa League qualifying against Randers on August 19th. After suffering an ankle injury, Turan spent the rest of 2021 on the sidelines.

“It was a serious injury and we kept consulting with our medical team to see if I should have an operation or not,” he explained as he returned. “If I'd had an operation, I would have been out for eight to 10 months. I am in pain, but I can take the pain.”

However, some Galatasaray fans believe that Turan has returned too soon and have criticised coach Fatih Terim. That’s because Turan was in noticeably poor physical condition when he came on in the Giresunspor match.

“His belly was back on the pitch before he was, it’s time to retire,” wrote one of the many critical supporters.

Arda Turan’s study sessions with Fatih Terim

Unable to work on the training ground over these past few months, Turan has been working with his coach on analysing the team’s current problems, with Galatasaray down in 10th position.

“I have been spending more time in Fatih Terim’s office and we watched games together, which was good for me to see,” Turan said.

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“Now the coach has allowed me to return. It has been a difficult process. Patience is required and we will rescue Galatasaray. Changes aren’t easy in football and Juventus are going through a rebuilding process too. The coach and the president will bring about the necessary changes.”