Turkey national team captain Arda Turan had recently admitted his "dream" of playing for reigning La Liga champions FC Barcelona even as he was targeted by English Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea FC last summer.

Goal reported that Turan told local media outlet Hurriyet that he was never intending to join the Red Devils and the Blues last year and that he always wanted to be a member of, for him, "one of the best teams in the world".

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"I always dreamt of playing for Barcelona," the former Atletico Madrid midfielder said. "Not Chelsea, not Manchester... but Barcelona. 'I wish I can play for Barça one day, be a part of that team' - I had said to myself many times."

"Thank God it became true. And now I enjoy playing for one of the best teams in the world," he added.

Turan was signed by Barcelona in July of last year from Los Colchoneros for a transfer fee of €34 million plus €7 million in variables. However, the 29-year-old Fatih, Turkey native had to wait for the Catalonia residents' transfer ban, which was only lifted this January, before he was allowed to play for the club.

Turan has now appeared in 11 games in all competitions for Luis Enrique's squad since Jan. 6, with no goals so far but producing three assists.

The Turkey international also made some comparisons between his home country and Spain when it comes to life off the pitch.

"I'm used to paparazzi in Turkey but in Spain, they don't act that way. They don't chase and shoot Messi. Even Ronaldo was free of paparazzis when he was with (former girlfriend) Irina (Shayk)," he said. "I feel less pressure now at Barcelona. It was different at Atletico. If someday I will leave Barça, I'll know that I'll be leaving on top. I'll know that I succeeded. I don't have to prove anything to anyone."

The Daily Express noted that, according to Turan's agent, the Red Devils "had a bid rejected by Atletico last season".

TagsFootball News & Rumors, Arda Turan, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea FC