Barcelona-Bound Arda Turan Leaves Heartfelt Goodbye for Atletico Fans

Barcelona completed their signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan on Monday.

For the Turkish international and fan favourite at Atletico, the high point of his career had to have been breaking up the Barcelona-Real Madrid dominance atop La Liga and winning the league in 2014. Atletico reached the Champions League final in that same season but were pipped by Real Madrid in extra time of the final. 

Turan posted a heartfelt goodbye to Atletico fans on Instagram, calling their rise "neighbourhood kids who just wanted to win every game." 

Marca translated the entirety of the message:

"

It's been an amazing four years in which we were like neighbourhood kids who just wanted to win every game. It was something so pure, so heartfelt. 

I'll miss every moment of that and I'm touched whenever I look back on my time here. 

A thousand thanks to everyone who helped me believe in myself, to the people who've been there for me throughout. 

To the president, the CEO and everyone who works at the club: the kit man, the medical staff, the coaching team...you all have a place in my heart. 

I'd finally like to thank this club's amazing fans. Thanks for being there for each and every one of those special moments because it's you who helped turn the tough times into great ones. 

Every moment with you has been special. I love you all. A thousand thanks. 

"

[Arda Turan, h/t Marca]