Turan: Harder games than Clasico

Barcelona’s Arda Turan is looking forward to his first Clasico with Real Madrid but says he has ‘played harder games than this.’

The Turkey international was unavailable for the first meeting between the sides of the season as Barca were still under a transfer embargo and couldn’t register the summer signing from Atletico Madrid.

“I’ve been fortunate to have experienced important matches against Madrid but it will be special for me as it will be my first [Clasico],” AS quotes Arda as telling Turkish publication Diari Ara.

“But it’s just a game and if we lose, life remains the same. I’ve played games harder than this.

“We have a lot of advantages, playing at home, with a great atmosphere. In my head it’s easy. Go out and play football without any pressure.”

Arda added that his goal having moved to Camp Nou is to experience success in Europe after claiming the 2013-14 title with Atletico and reaching the Champions League Final, where the team was beaten by Madrid.

“I’m here to win the Champions League. Lionel Messi is, for me, the greatest player ever, but I’ve come to win trophies,” he stressed.

“Winning [the Champions League] in two consecutive years would enter football history. The most important thing is that the team wins.

“Yes, there is a Ballon d’Or, that’s for Leo. The rest only think about the team. And, in fact, make no mistake, Leo thinks about the team before anything else. He always does what’s best for the group.”

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