Former Barcelona winger looks almost UNRECOGNISABLE at only 37

Former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid winger Arda Turan looks almost unrecognisable compared to his playing days, despite retiring from professional football just one year ago.

The Turkish football icon, who called time on his illustrious career last season while at Galatasaray, has undergone a transformation that has left fans astonished.

During his playing career, Turan achieved numerous accolades, leaving a mark on the footballing world with his skills and determination.

Spending five successful seasons at Barcelona, he scored 15 goals in 55 games for the Catalan giants and was part of a team that won La Liga and two Copa del Reyes.

However, his time at Barcelona was also marked with challenges, as he struggled to find his place in a star-studded team that boasted superstars like Lionel Messi and Neymar.

As a result, he was sent out on loan three times, seeking opportunities to regain his form and shine on the pitch.

Before his tenure at Barcelona, Turan experienced immense success at Atletico Madrid, where he helped his team clinch another league title, the Europa League, and reached a memorable Champions League final.

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Recently, an image of Turan surfaced on social media during one of his training sessions, and it caught the attention of fans and media alike.

Moreover, Turan enjoyed a prolific international career, becoming his country’s fifth most-capped player of all time with an impressive 100 appearances for the Turkish national team.

He was a key figure in helping Turkey reach the semi-finals of the Euro 2008 tournament, displaying his talents on the international stage.

Despite his retirement from professional football, Turan’s passion for the sport remains evident, as he has transitioned into a managerial role.

Currently, at the age of 37, he manages Eyupspor in Turkey’s second division, contributing his vast experience and knowledge to the development of young talents.

The most striking aspect of the photograph was his new-look grey beard, which has significantly altered his appearance from his days as a fresh-faced footballer.

The transformation has sparked conversations among fans, who were taken aback by the change but praised his distinguished and mature appearance.