Ferran Torres has told The Wild Project that he snubbed several clubs in favour of a move to Manchester City in 2020.
The Spain international spent 18 months with the Citizens before returning to his home country, when Barcelona signed him in January 2022. He came up through the ranks of Valencia’s youth system and spent three years with their first team, before moving to Manchester City.
When discussing his transfer to the Etihad, relayed by Sport, he explained the impact Pep Guardiola had in convincing him to pick the treble winners over other clubs.
“Before leaving Valencia, many teams were interested in me, but when I spoke with Pep, everything changed. Manchester City wanted me and it was a very important step in my career, but the fans of the team of my life [Valencia] began to hate me,” he said.
At Manchester City, Torres scored 16 goals and registered four assists from 43 games. During his time in England, his adaptation was made difficult due to several factors.
“It was very difficult. I was 19 years old, I was alone, without my family, with Covid, with a different language. When I arrived, I had to quarantine for 15 days. I couldn’t leave the house. It was very difficult,” Torres explained.
The Catalan club opened the door for the 23-year-old to return to Spain and his exit from the Premier League side was made easier by Guardiola.
When talking about the Manchester City manager, the player said: “When I told him that Barca wanted me, he told me that he couldn’t say no. It’s my team, he told me, my Barca. As long as the teams agree, you can leave. Barca is Barca.”
At the Camp Nou, the former Manchester City man has managed 19 goals and 11 assists from 87 games so far.
