Ferran Torres, the 26-year-old forward who joined Paris Saint-Germain from FC Barcelona this summer, spoke to the media this Thursday at the Campus PSG. The Spanish international discussed, among other things, his decision to come to Paris and his relationship with coach Luis Enrique.
Torres: “I need to adapt to this style of play.”
How have your first few days at PSG gone? And how important was Luis Enrique in your decision to sign for Paris?
Very well. I’m continuing to settle in with the club and my teammates. I’ve received great support and feel confident. It’s been an incredible summer, and the start to the season has been excellent. My only goal now is to keep improving and be ready for my teammates. I’m looking forward to winning trophies and matches with this amazing club.
Was Luis Enrique’s confidence in you a key factor?
Yes, the coach instills a lot of confidence in the forwards, encouraging us to move around a lot. It makes it difficult for opponents to defend against us. But I do need to adapt to this style of play.
Torres: “The goal is to get on the pitch, give my all, and help the team.”
What kind of role are you hoping for? Is joining PSG a step forward?
My role also depends on others; I can play in various attacking positions, which is an advantage. Luis Enrique has always asked the same things of me, just as he did before. He’s allowed me to play in all three attacking roles, and that versatility benefits both the team and me. The goal is to get on the pitch, give my all, and help the team.
As for whether it’s a step forward—PSG is a two-time European champion. It’s a step in my career; I don’t know if it’s necessarily a step “up” or not, but I’m happy to be experiencing this new chapter.
Torres: “A footballing father figure to me”
Do you have a special relationship with Luis Enrique?
I’ve always said that Luis Enrique has been like a footballing father figure to me ever since I first joined the Spanish national team. He has always believed in me. He believed in me enough to sign me for PSG. He has always placed a lot of trust in me, and I hope to repay that this season.
Pressure at PSG?
They are the champions. PSG is currently the best team in Europe. They have won the last two Champions League titles. And that puts even more pressure on our opponents. We need to improve. We are going to try to win the Champions League for the third consecutive year.
Torres: “I’ll play wherever Luis Enrique puts me.”
Your preferred position—playing centrally?
I feel comfortable as a number 9; I’ve played there for the last two years. But in my first match with PSG, Luis Enrique played me on the left wing and I scored two goals, so I’ll play wherever Luis Enrique puts me.
Torres: “Contact with PSG began even before the World Cup.”
When did contact with PSG begin?
Contact with PSG began even before the World Cup. They called us. It was a significant moment. By then, I had already made up my mind because I wanted to play for a club like PSG. I’m finally here.
The Champions League match against Barça?
The match against Barcelona will be special. I played for them for four and a half years. It will be an exciting game for me and for the team. PSG-Barcelona matches are always special. We’ll try to win, but we’ll see.
