Barça midfielder Turan joins campaign to encourage 'yes' vote in Turkish referendum

Turkish and Barcelona football player Arda Turan has participated in a video series that was launched by a group of athletes and celebrities encouraging a "yes" vote in an upcoming referendum on charter amendments to shift the current parliamentary system to an executive presidential system.

In his video, Turan was recorded as responding to former football player and coach Rıdvan Dilmen's call asking whether he is "in" for the amendments in the charter. 

"Our country is going through a very tough period; it is just like the War of Independence. We want a strong Turkey. For a strong Turkey, I am in for 'yes,'" said Dilmen, seeking support from Turan. 

In response, Turan said "Coach Rıdvan, I have received your call. For a strong Turkey, I am in as well." 

He later directed the same question to another Turkish football player currently playing for Chinese side Beijing Guoan, Burak Yılmaz, asking for his contribution to the campaign.

On Jan. 21, Turkey's parliament approved a constitutional amendment package that will bring drastic changes to Turkey's political system.

The 18-article package, which shifts governance from the current parliamentary system to an executive presidential system, will be put to a referendum on either April 2 or 9 in accordance with the date selected by the Supreme Election Board (YSK) after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan approves the amendments.