HOW DID BAKU IMPRESS ARDA TURAN?

The programme of the Atletico Madrid's two day-visit to Baku was packed with events. The Spanish footballers, who will now have Azerbaijan - Land of Fire printed across their T-shirts, were received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. They wondered around Baku and met young footballers. But what is a visit without a game?

Having played a friendly match with FC Baku on the final day of their visit, the guests scored a 3:0 win. However, despite fans' expectations, Madrid club stars, Radamel Falcao and Arda Turan, did not play in the Baku match. The footballers are also members of the Turkish national team. Before his departure from Baku, Arda Turan spoke with R+ about why he was absent from the field and about his impressions of Baku in general.

- First of all, let me ask you about your impressions of Baku during your two-day visit.

- I liked Baku very much. I cannot say that I have been able to see the whole city. I have only seen the central part. We visited the grave of Azerbaijan's great son, Heydar Aliyev, the Martyr's Lane and the monument to Turkish soldiers. I observed the magnificent views of the city on our way from the airport. I would like to congratulate Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev who has built a beautiful and interesting city. Baku buildings are models of various styles of architecture. I especially liked the buildings in front of the parliament. I was very impressed by the National Flag Square. I made a lot of photographs there. Baku residents should be very proud of having such a beautiful city.

- You have met President Aliyev. What did you discuss with him?

- Mr Aliyev is a very noble person who loves sports. He said a lot of positive things about Atl?tico. We spoke about the development of sports in the country. To be honest, I was amazed by how much Ilham Aliyev knows about FC Atl?tico. He knows footballers. Usually politicians do not have time for sports. Your president loves sports. We presented him with an Atl?tico T-shirt with the president's name on it. Ilham Aliyev expressed the hope that Azerbaijani footballers will play an official game with Atl?tico in the coming years.

- During the Baku match, your fans expected that you would play in the friendly match with FC Baku. However, neither you nor Falcao were to be seen…

- It is up to our main coach, Diego Simeone to form the team. I had a bruised leg which is why he decided not to risk. Falcao was having a rest after a difficult match with Real Madrid. In any event, the match was held. I would like to use this opportunity and thank all my fans. I did not know I had so many fans in Baku.

- At a reception held in honour of Atl?tico you carefully listened to the song Sari Gelin. Can you tell us why?

- I have heard this song in Turkey. The musicians performed it very beautifully. It overwhelmed me.

- What are your impressions about Azerbaijan on the whole?

- I think that alongside its economic development Azerbaijan has now become a tourist attraction. You have many beautiful places for holiday-making and very delicious food. During my stay here I managed to try your national food. Had I stayed for a few more days, I would have started to gain weight (laughs).

- What does Azerbaijan - Land of Fire mean to you?

- I am very delighted that Atl?tico has a partner like Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a very important country for me. As they say, one nation, two states. Believe me, I perceive myself as a Turk, as well as an Azeri. Turkey and Azerbaijan are exceptionally close nations. During my stay in Baku I felt at home. We are together in joy and in grief.

- What do you know about Azerbaijani football?

- People in your country love football very much. The national team is becoming stronger. I can feel that their technique is improving. FC Baku has a wonderful base which corresponds to European standards. I think success is around the corner. I know that Baku has been nominated as a candidate for hosting the summer Olympics. This is a momentous event.

- The Azerbaijani national team scored a 1:0 win with the Turkish national team in a match in Baku a few years ago…

- (laughs) I did not participate in the match, which is why our team lost (Arda missed the match due to a punishment). Your team always plays well in Baku. Your victory over the Turkish team caused a huge response in our country because everybody had expected that Turkey would easily win.

- We are hugely investing in football in Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, our footballers are not as good as European footballers…

- Football always requires time. While 5 or 6 years is enough in other sports football may require much more time. This is why children's football is very important. Azerbaijan is doing a lot to develop children's football. These kids will be a huge asset for the Azerbaijani national team in the future.

- For a certain period you played with Galatasaray. Emre Valazoglu played in the same team in the past but then he moved to Fenerbah?e, a rival of Galatasaray. Is there a possibility that you will do the same?

- I do not think it is appropriate for me to talk about this. I am an Atl?tico player and currently all my plans are linked with this team. I am not thinking of moving to a different team.

- The Turkish national team has a lot of fans in Azerbaijan. At the preliminary round your team suffered a certain losing streak. Do you think the Turkish team has chances to get to the world championship final?

- You are right. The Turkish team has had an unlucky streak recently. However, we still have chances. We need to gather ourselves and win the rest of the matches. I believe that the Turkish national team will participate in the final. We have a good team now. All we need to do is to overcome this losing streak.

- Finally, what will you tell your Azerbaijani fans?

- I would like to thank them very much. I had heard about your hospitality and now I had an opportunity to see it myself. Now when I start a game I will know that I have a lot of fans in Azerbaijan. I am sincerely very happy to have the word Azerbaijan on my T-shirt. I wear it with pride.