On deadline day of the summer transfer window, Lucas Torreira left Arsenal to join Atlético Madrid on a loan deal.
The midfielder has made seven appearances in all competitions for the Spanish club this season.
A move to Wanda Metropolitan saw the Uruguay international reunite with his compatriots, José Giménez and Luis Suárez. The striker joined the La Liga side from Barcelona, just over a week before the Gunners owned player arrived at the club.
AS were provided with an opportunity to interview Torreira and when discussing Suárez, he talked about the negotiations for his loan transfer to Atlético.
“Look, my negotiations lasted until the last day of the transfer market, but I had already been talking to Luis,” Torreira said.
“His [Suárez’s] arrival gives an important bonus to the team for everything he offers as a player. He has a great track record and a lot of hierarchy. He is one of the best strikers in the world, it is no coincidence that he is Barcelona’s third top scorer.
“Personally, sharing the the club and the national team with him is something I really enjoy. Honestly, I try to learn all day from him, I make the most of it.”
The 24-year-old has been at the Madrid club for just over a month and has spoken highly about Atlético.
“It is a very well positioned club, at a football level and many other things that are off the pitch. Having several Uruguayan colleagues, I already knew some things and I started to investigate a little. I spoke a lot with Josema and Diego Godín,” he explained.
“I’ve been here for a month and a half, and the truth is that they received me very well, with much affection. I am comfortable and at ease at Atlético Madrid. We are a very competitive club, both in La Liga and in the Champions League. I hope I can live up to it.”
When asked if things surrounding the club affected his decision to leave Arsenal and join Diego Simeone’s side, Torreria said: “Not to mention that this affects a lot.”
“I have two Uruguayan colleagues, a Uruguayan teacher, an Argentine in the coaching staff… And language is an important factor, too. I spent two years in England and that topic cost me, even though I took classes.”
“I know that I came to Atlético Madrid, a club with a lot of hierarchy that fights for important things, that also influenced this decision I made.”
The above comments from the player suggest he struggled with language during his time at Arsenal and that was one of the factors that influenced his decision to join Atlético on a temporary deal.
