Ferran Torres: 'I am facing this challenge with ambition, humility and a lot of desire'
Ferran Torres is now a culer. The new Barça striker was presented on Monday at Camp Nou with the accompanying tradition photo session and virtual press conference along with president Joan Laporta, vice president Rafa Yuste and Director of Football Mateu Alemany.
"I am facing this challenge with ambition, humility and a lot of desire," began Ferran Torres as he then went on to explain why he left Manchester City, last season's Premier League champions and runners up in the Champions League: "When I left Manchester City I had the idea of coming back to La Liga and Barça showed an interest. I am ambitious player and I like a challenge. I want to take Barça back to where it belongs."
The player admitted that coming to Barça "was a good option for me and my family" and also how the coach at his former club, Josep Guardiola, had been a big influence: "Guardiola is one of the best in the world and he played me in different positions. I have learnt a lot from him at Manchester City."
Injured taking part in the UEFA Nations League for the Spanish national side in October, the Valencian explained that his recovery is "going well" and that he could be available for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Real Madrid on 12 January.
Laporta: “He is a great player”
The FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta had plenty to say about the 21 year old new signing for Barça: "You are young but you already have plenty of experience," said Laporta to Ferran Torres during the presentation. He continued: "We knew about Ferran's situation and we were very pleased that he wanted to come to Barça so much. Furthermore, we have a good relationship with those in charge at Manchester City," before describing Ferran Torres as a "great player."
The player's registration and other signings
One of the questions that has come up in the last few days has been the registration of the new signing in the January window. The Director of Football, Mateu Alemany, was clear on the matter: "The truth of the situation is that when we signed Ferran Torres we knew we did not have room in terms of salaries. However, we have been making moves in different areas and we are convinced we can register him." The player himself did not appeared worried by the matter, saying he was "calm because the Club is doing all it can."
On the same subject, both Joan Laporta and Mateu Alemany revealed that on Monday or Tuesday Dani Alves will be registered.
With regards to a new contract for Ousmane Dembélé, Alemany explained that the player has an offer on the table and the Club is awaiting a final answer from the French player's agents in a "situation that cannot continue much longer." On further signings, he admitted that players would have to leave first before bringing anyone else in."