Ferran Torres, the 26-year-old Spanish forward who joined Paris Saint-Germain from FC Barcelona this summer, was invited onto the show El Hormiguero to open up about his adjustment to life at PSG.
Torres: “It’s tough—not just for you, but for those around you.”
“I’m settling in well because, ultimately, we footballers rely heavily on what happens on the pitch. When you’re playing at a high level, off-field issues tend to fade into the background. But this week, for instance, has been really hard because I’m in the middle of moving house; I have to bring a lot of things over from Barcelona.
The only thing I couldn’t bring with me is Pedri (smiles). I miss him a lot already. It’s tough—not just for you, but for those around you—because one day you’re here, and the next you’re packing your bags.
French lessons?
Yeah, it’s hard (smiles).”
Professional footballers have a dream job and the financial means to live comfortably, but that doesn’t make them any less human. There is also the matter of family. Moving is a major life event that can cause upheaval for a while—something that often shows, to varying degrees, on the pitch. There is no magic formula.
It is important to take these factors into account, especially when a player moves to a new country where the differences—including the language—are significant. Mind you, this isn’t about complaining, particularly since Ferran Torres has made a very positive start at PSG. Even so, he still has to process the change and juggle multiple things at once.
This applies to all new signings; everyone finds their feet at their own pace. And that’s not to mention adapting to the squad and the team’s playing philosophy—another process that doesn’t have a set timeframe. Sometimes it happens very quickly; other times, it never fully materializes. One can only trust the players to settle in as best they can, with the help of their teammates and the coaching staff.
As for Pedri (the 23-year-old FC Barcelona and Spain midfielder), Torres’s remark is perfectly understandable. Beyond being an exceptional player, he is a close friend of the man who is now a PSG forward.
