Torres goes back to his homeland in £46m deal

FERRAN Torres has completed his move from Manchester City to Barcelona, signing a fiveand-a-half year contract that contains a one billion euro (£841 million) buyout clause.

From City’s perspective, the deal represents a reasonable profit on their £20.9m outlay.

City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Ferran should be proud of what he has achieved here at Manchester City.

“Last season was his first time in a new country, but he adapted well. He always gave 100%, worked hard for the team and scored goals which helped us win trophies.

“Injury unfortunately prevented him from playing more games this season, but Ferran is a player we have all enjoyed working with and we wish him all the best at Barcelona and for the rest of his career.”

Torres was bought primarily as a winger but also operated, with some success, as a centre-forward in a side short of natural strikers, notably scoring a hat-trick at Newcastle in May.

He was also a Carabao Cup winner and a Champions League finalist last season but had made only seven club appearances this term after breaking a metatarsal while on international duty in October.

He leaves with the team top of the table and firm favourites to win a fourth title in five years.

News of his impending exit led to speculation last week that City could look to replace him with a specialist striker next month but manager Pep Guardiola ruled that out.

“No, we’re not going to bring in any striker in January,” Guardiola said.

City’s latest challenge continues as they travel to Brentford tonight.