Arsenal may be stuttering in their pursuit of the Premier League title but former Gunner Lucas Torreira could end the campaign with a winners’ medal of his own at Turkish giants Galatasaray.
No one, even in his darkest Arsenal moments, could ever accuse Torreira of lacking in the commitment department.
And at Galatasaray – a club renowned for their impassioned fanbase – the Uruguayan’s all-action intensity has made him a highly popular presence. Torreira, a bargain £5 million signing, has featured in all-but four of Gala’s 29 Super Lig games during 2022/23.
He played the full 90 minutes during this weekend’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Andrea Pirlo’s Fatih Karagumruk too. And while that was two points dropped from Galatasaray’s perspective – his former employers know all about 3-3 draws themselves of course – the Istanbul giants remain in pole position ahead of the season’s final stretch.
What’s more, Torreira is proving to be as whole-hearted off the pitch as he is on it.
Lucas Torreira shining at Galatasaray after Arsenal exit
“I came to this beautiful country for one purpose; to fall in love with these wonderful colours,” the Fray Bentos-born battleaxe writes on his official Instagram, as quoted by Sporx.
“Nothing and no one can stand in our way. If necessary, I will die for these people. Let’s fight like brothers until the end. Today, tomorrow, always Galatasaray.”
Initially a fans’ favourite at Arsenal – some felt he was the heir apparent to the long lost Gilberto Silva – Torreira fell out of favour once Unai Emery was replaced by Mikel Arteta, farmed out on loan to Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina before joining a host of former Premier League misfits over in Turkey.
‘I decided to go to Turkey’
The 27-year-old admitted that a fear of missing out on Uruguay’s World Cup squad was a major factor in him bringing an end to his time at the Emirates last summer. Torreira would eventually travel to Qatar. But, ironically, he failed to get off hte bench as Uruguay bowed out at the group stage.
“I had to have continuity for the World Cup. So that’s why I decided to go to Turkey and Galatasaray,”
explains Torreira, who once set Arsenal back £26 million. “Their project ended up convincing me. And it’s very important for a player like me to continue having continuity, as I had last season.“The call from Galatasaray came. (Gala and Uruguay goalkeeper) Fernando Musler was very important for me when making this decision.
“I also knew little about the country. (The Turkish Super Lig) is totally different league. I really liked the way the Galatasaray people (tried to convince me to sign); the project, the call from the coach (Okan Buruk) and the leaders. All of that helped me make this decision.”
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