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On Thursday, Pau Torres revealed that he wouldn’t have joined Aston Villa if Unai Emery wasn’t in charge at Villa Park.

The Premier League side signed the 27-year-old from Villarreal in July 2023 and the move saw him reunite with the manager.

He made 39 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa last season, which included 27 league starts. Torres lost prominence with Spain since swapping the La Liga side for the Villans.

The centre-back made one appearance for La Roja last season and didn’t receive a call up from November 2023 until, and including, Euro 2024.

Torres received a call up last month and Luis de la Fuente has included him again in the squad for this month’s international break. The Aston Villa player claims he values “things much more” after the latest call up and Atlántico have relayed his comments.

“Yes, it’s always a joy to be in the national team again, it’s a sign that this start to the season is going well, both at the club and personally. I’m always happy to be here among those chosen by the coach to help,” he said.

“When you stop coming because of a call, being called back always brings back that illusion, perhaps from the beginning, and you value things much more after not being in a call.”

On what the national team manager expects from him, Torres explained: “Personality, to be me, to show my football, as always, like years ago.” 

Torres, who has made nine appearances for Emery’s side this season, had to settle for a place on the bench in Spain’s last three matches.