Adriano: I'm joining the Besiktas family as a champion

Adriano Correia is in the final stages of completing his move from Barcelona to Besiktas, after the Catalan club gave the Brazilian permission to continue negotiations over the weekend.

After being welcomed upon arrival in Istanbul, the 31-year-old made his first statements to Turkish newspaper Milliyet ahead of having the move officially confirmed.

"I can say that I'm part of the Besiktas family," he said, "I come from a club that finished last season as champions and I'm a champion myself.

"I want to play in a new league and succeed in the next edition of the Champions League. At first, my wife was a little worried and hesitant due to recent events that had taken place in Turkey.

"But the arrival of many players and the club's project eventually convinced us. We're very impressed with the city of Istanbul."

Adriano will join Besiktas on a three-year deal after spending six years with Barcelona, winning 16 trohpies with the Catalan club in the process.

"After leaving passport control [at Istanbul airport] I was frankly surprised to see the large number of [Besiktas] fans waiting for me," the former Sevilla player concluded, "That makes me feel good.

"At that moment, I knew I couldn't refuse the offer [to join Besiktas]."