Our respect for Lionel Messi has soared after this classy gesture to his new teammate

Imagine having the balls to say 'yes'.

New Barcelona signing Arda Turan has revealed Lionel Messi went above and beyond to welcome him to the team. The Turkish international was signed from Atletico Madrid during the summer but, due to transfer restrictions imposed on the Catalans, he cannot make his official debut until January 2016. That imposition did not make his unveiling at the Nou Camp any less joyous. Turan was introduced to his new fans and wore a Barcelona jersey that, for now, has no squad number. However, the Turk, has revealed their is a very special number on offer... if he wants it. 'When I started with the Turkish national team,' said Turan, 'I wore number 14 because my Dad is a fan of Johann Cruyff,' Turan told Sport.

'Then I took the number 10 at Atletico.  'Messi told me that if I want it at Barcelona, it’s mine.'

One can only imagine what Messi's PR team, sponsors, the Barcelona board and fans might make of the gesture. For us though, we are thoroughly impressed.