Arda Turan says Barça ostracism affecting him mentally and physically

Arda Turan says Barça ostracism affecting him mentally and physically

Arda Turan, en rueda de prensa
Arda Turan, en rueda de prensa | sport

The midfielder has not been used in La Liga by Ernesto Valverde

He is currently preparing to face Iceland with the Turkey national team

Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan has lamented the sporting situation he currently finds himself in. Without minutes in Ernesto Valverde's side, he remains a part of the Turkey squad having come out of international retirement. However, he feels his lack of football is working against him. 

Speaking before Turkey's World Cup qualifier against Iceland, Turan said in a press conference that "it's been a while since I played and it is not easy. It means that games become as much a mental question as a physical one. I want to do what the coach asks of me and form part of a historic day like this one." 

Turan, who had a bandage on his foot on the plane, added: "I must be prepared psychologically to take on this game. I am prepared, but we will see how I respond." 

Pie de foto | AUTOR FOTO

As for Turkey's chances of making the World Cup, the Barça man indicated that "if we beat Iceland at home and Finland away, our chances are very high." 

Turkey are third in their group with just two games left. They have 14 points, the same as Ukraine, while Croatia and Iceland are tied at the top on 16 points. 

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