Nikola Vlasic admits he feels ‘reborn’ at Torino after a disappointing spell at West Ham: ‘Mentally, there is a huge difference…’
The Croatian midfielder joined Torino on loan with an option to buy from the Hammers in the summer and has matched the fans’ and club’s expectations so far with three goals in seven Serie A appearances.
“There is a huge difference mentally,” the 24-year-old said at a press conference from the Croatian camp, as quoted by La Stampa.
“I feel reborn in Italy, I feel free again. Everything is going well at Torino. I am working hard, I know there is a lot to do, but I am sure I’ll benefit from this in the future.
“What counts the most is to play consistently, which is what I am doing here. I feel trust from everyone and there is nothing I can complain about. There are quality players at Torino, [Ivan] Juric makes his choices. Perhaps he could be the one having problems because there is more than a top player here.”
Vlasic completed a €30m move from CSKA Moscow to West Ham a year ago but only scored one goal in 31 competitive appearances with the Premier League side.
Torino have an option to make his move permanent for €15m in 2023, and the latest reports in Italy suggest the Granata will begin negotiations with West Ham and Vlasic’s agent between December and January to finalise a deal before the end of the season.