Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira explained his move to Turkey and reflected on his desire to stay in Italy in the summer.
The 26-year-old Uruguayan midfielder spent last season on loan with Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina, where he found his best form since initially leaving Serie A for Arsenal back in 2018. The Viola couldn’t agree a permanent deal with the Gunners and he eventually joined Galatasaray in a deal worth around €6m, signing a four-year contract.
Speaking to ESPN, Torreira detailed the reasons behind his move to Galatasaray and reiterated his desire to stay in Italy.
“I chose Turkey because I had to play with consistency to go to the World Cup. The project convinced me, for a player like me it is very important to play consistently.
“In the summer there was a lot of uncertainty and anxiety. I had many options, I wanted to stay in Italy after my great season at Fiorentina. But as we all know, in football everything can change at any time.”
The 26-year-old Torreira made 35 appearances across all competitions at Fiorentina last season, scoring five goals and providing two assists in that time. He has continued playing consistently with Galatasaray this season but is struggling to show off his true potential. The Uruguayan will be hoping to play an important role at the World Cup in Qatar.
your better than matic=roma, but mourinho needed a yes man
This guy is one of the best. I want to know what possibly led to Arteta benching him, because at the time he was playing terrifically. I never get things like that.