TORRES TAKES Winger thrilled to follow great he idolised as child
FERRAN TORRES is ready for the challenge of following David Silva’s footsteps into the hearts of Manchester City fans.
The Spain international, 20, has trodden the same path from Valencia as the man who used to be on a poster on his bedroom wall.
And the £ 21million signing has chosen the same 21 shirt number made famous by his countryman in a decade of glory at the club.
“It was a huge honour for me when the club told me I could choose the 21 shirt. Just for what it means here,” said the winger.
“I will try to give my best and be a part of the history of this club.
“Speaking about reaching what David Silva did in Manchester are very strong words, but obviously it’s an honour to inherit his number.
“He has always been a role model for me since I was a kid. When I arrived at Valencia CF he was a key part of the first team, alongside the likes of
David Villa and Juan Mata. And he’s been a reference for me and I’ll try to follow his steps in this club.”
City beat off interest from other Premier League clubs to sign Torres last month after a breakthrough season for Valencia and a call- up to the Spain side this summer.
The winger, who played predominantly on the right in his homeland, insisted the chance to work with City boss Pep Guardiola, right, swung it.
He said: “He was key. Pep is a manager that knows how to get the best from any player and with him as a manager
I feel I can reach my full potential.” City’s new signing says he remembers waiting to get pictures with Silva at the end of Valencia training sessions.
Yet for all the obvious parallels with the 34- yearold who left on a free to join Real Sociedad, Phil Foden has been earmarked for that role.
City are really hoping Torres can fill the boots left vacant by Leroy Sane, who moved to Bayern Munich.
Torres said: “He is left footed and I am right footed. Apart from that, we may share some similarities in our game. He likes playing wide, going one against one,
dribbling and helping the team with goals and assists. That’s the same as me and it could be possible that our game styles have some similarities.”
Torres sharpened up prior to his permanent move to Manchester by pounding the miles on the beach in Portugal in order to get himself ready for the rigours of the Premier League.
He said: “Here it is more contact, tougher and more physical so I also wanted to be at the right level to cope with that.
“In Portugal I ran on the beach, I worked on the gym and also started training on the pitch with my boots on to get used to it again. I can improve and I need to keep training to reach my best condition, but
I guess you could see the footballer
I am.”
To inherit his shirt is an honour. He’s a role model