Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan has revealed he wants to stay at the club until the end of his contract in June 2015.
According to AS, Turan [pictured, right] is delighted with the conquest of the Copa del Rey, Europa League and European Super Cup in his first two years at Atleti since joining from Galatasaray.
He also feels a special bond with the fans and has told his representatives he will refuse to listen to any offers over the summer, a decision he says is final and that there is no chance of him changing his mind.
Arda is already believed to have turned down an offer from Fenerbahce that would have seen him earn €4.8m-a-year for the next five seasons, twice what he earns at the Vicente Calderon, with Atleti picking up around €15m for his transfer.
However, the Turkish international does not want to return to his native country just yet and has made it known he does not fancy playing for his former club’s main rivals either.
Having admitted that he found it hard to adapt to the Spanish capital when he first arrived, Arda says he is now comfortably settled into the way of life and is enjoying himself.
“The friendliness of the people made it more bearable for me. I feel very happy and at peace here.
“I cried for five minutes after we won the Copa del Rey. It was something else and I found it impossible to stop the tears. The team fought with confidence, blood and faith,” he concluded.
Atletico President Enrique Cerezo also confirmed that Arda will continue with Los Rojiblancos next season.
“Firstly, he is my friend. Secondly, he is one of the best players in Atletico Madrid’s history. He is a key player for us. He wants to stay here and I’m sure he will do that,” commented Cerezo.
It was understood the 26-year-old had harboured thoughts of playing in England, but for now that is an option he wants to put aside for the future.
