Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has congratulated the club for securing Arda Turan’s signing from Atletico Madrid.
The Turkish international arrived at Camp Nou last week on request of the Blaugrana Coach and has since been involved in pre-season training.
Speaking at his first Press conference of the new campaign, the Spanish tactician also revealed the attributes that made him so keen to bring the attacking midfielder to Catalonia.
“My responsibility was to plan and we talked about the players who were going to leave and those who were coming in,” Enrique began.
“I am happy and I congratulate the managerial committee on completing the signing of Arda Turan, which I consider key.
“He beats players, it is difficult to get the ball off him and his defensive attributes are huge. It is a great signing.”
Enrique was also questioned on Barca’s upcoming presidential elections and revealed he already knows who he will be voting for.
“The members will decide that (the vote), including me. The four candidates have enough signatures and are capable of running Barca, but I am the Coach and my responsibility lies elsewhere. I have decided that I will vote and who I will vote for.”
The 45-year-old then added that he does not want to see forward Pedro leave the club, but that he will respect the player’s wishes.
“I don’t want him to go, but he has a clause in his contractand I will respect his opinion (if he wants to leave).
"I never cheat my players and they know that I am not going to promise minutes to anyone. I hope Pedro stays, though, as has been the case with Marc Bartra. I made requests and they have been met. Now I don’t know whether players will leave or be sold.”
Finally, Enrique refused to comment on Iker Casillas departure from Real Madrid.
“I don’t need to comment. Players always end up leaving clubs. Life never ends at any club, it goes on. He will be fine in Porto, there’s no need to hype it up.”
