Arda Turan quits Turkey after row with reporter, but vows to stay at Barcelona
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ByEurosport
Updated 07/06/2017 at 05:01 GMT
Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan has retired from international football with Turkey following an alleged attack on a journalist, according to media reports.
Arda Turan has quit Turkey.
Image credit: Eurosport
Turan was apparently told to leave the Turkey squad by coach Fatih Terim after the player met officials to discuss claims he apparently verbally abused and tried to physically assault a sports reporter on a plane taking Turkey to Italy after a 0-0 friendly draw in Macedonia on Monday evening.
Turan apparently responded by opting to quit his country after 11 years. Turkey face Kosovo on Friday night in Albania in their next 2018 World Cup qualifier.
They are five points behind Group I leaders Croatia, but only two behind second-placed Iceland in their bid to make the finals in Russia.
The 96-times capped Turan posted a statement on Instagram defending his position.
"This is not about defending myself, it is only to inform people. You are going to see the news after you wake up in the morning.
"Criticisms, critics, articles... They are going to support each other. I TOLD YOU! After fans whistled me, I said in my first interview that I will never forget it.
After months, I saw one of them on the plane yesterday. Who are they? They are people who wrote lies, slander and ignore people's dignity and family values when we are playing for our own country. And they call this journalism.
Turan's agent says he will staying at Barcelona this summer despite media speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal.
The 30-year-old - who arrived at the Camp Nou for 34 million Euros two years ago - has been the subject of strong speculation with a move to the Chinese Super League and Arsene Wenger has also been touted with a move for the player.
"Arda's not going anywhere. Barcelona are happy with him and we've not spoken with any club about a transfer,” agent Ahmed Bulut is quoted as saying by Diario AS.
The news being reported about him leaving the club annoys Arda. The board don't like the rumours either. Arda Turan will finish his contract; he will stay until 2020.
The former Atletico Madrid player scored three times in 14 La Liga starts last season.
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