Ex-Barcelona star looks unrecognisable as he sports grey beard aged just 36
Former Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan has been spotted with an unrecognisable new look during his time in management - a year since retiring from professional football.
The 36-year-old ended his illustrious 18-year career last summer, having made 12 appearances for Galatasaray in 2021/22. He returned to the Super Lig side in 2020 after five years with Barcelona.
Following the expiry of his contract at Galatasaray, Turan decided to take a few months out of the game before hanging up his boots last September. He shared the news by posting an emotional statement on social media.
"It has been an amazing journey for me, for my mother, for my father, for my brother, my wife and my children. I hope it has been for you as well," Turan said at the time. It was difficult, but it was beautiful. I give my dues to everyone who loves me, values me while playing values me and hates me."
After retiring from playing, Turan has since gone into coaching and was appointed as the manager of Trendyol 1. Lig outfit Eyupspor on a one-and-a-half-year contract. His first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to Goztepe. However, Turan's side lost just two of their remaining seven matches to finish sixth.
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During his time as a manager, Turan has adopted a fresh, new look with a grey beard, compared to the dark facial hair he had in his playing career. Turan has also got a similar faded look in his hairstyle and was pictured wearing a slicked-back cap during a recent training session.
The ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder isn't the only Arda gaining attention, with Turkey sensation Arda Guler emerging following the 18-year-old's move to Real Madrid. Turan said, via talkSPORT: "I would have been much happier if Arda Guler had gone to Barcelona, but I don’t find it strange his choice to join Real Madrid.
"The Barcelona I played for was the best in history, but the current Barcelona is a rebuilding Barcelona. Real Madrid is also getting younger but they are a more mature team. I wish him well. Arda Guler is a very valuable player for our country’s football. I believe he will be one of the best football players in the world."
As for Turan, he will be eager to impress in management ahead of the new campaign. Eyupspor are set to face Keciorengucu on the opening weekend of the season.
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