Torreira starstruck with Ozil
LONDON: Lucas Torreira has revealed that he picked the No 11 shirt at Arsenal so he could sit next to Mesut Ozil in the changing room.
The Uruguayan midfielder completed his £25 million (RM132 million) switch from Sampdoria in July and was left with the task of picking his shirt number for his debut season at the Emirates.
The 22-year-old originally admitted to wanting the No 34 but it was already taken by Granit Xhaka, so instead opted for the No 11 which was freed up following Jack Wilshere’s move to West Ham. Ozil decided to swap his No 11 for Wilshere's vacated No 10 as a result.
The number also holds particular significance with it being the same day as Torreira's birthday but Ozil's influence played a major part in his decision.
“I wanted to pick 34 but It was already taken by [Granit] Xhaka,” he told Sport 890.
“I chose 11 because it's the day of my birthday and I will get the chance to sit next to Mesut Ozil in the dressing room.
“It’s incredible when you go to the dressing room and see your locker is glued to that of Mesut Ozil who is a world champion and a player with a fantastic career.”
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season encounter with Lazio, manager Unai Emery confirmed that Torreira would play a part in the game.
He said: “At the moment I am very happy with the players who are with here with us.
“There are more coming; Nacho Monreal, Lucas [Torreira] and [Granit] Xhaka.”
However, defender Sead Kolasinac will be out of action for eight to 10 weeks after suffering an injury to his left knee, the Premier League club said on Friday.
The Bosnia international was forced off during Wednesday’s pre-season win over London rivals Chelsea in Dublin after a clash with Victor Moses.
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey missed that game with a tight calf and will aim to return to training next week, the club added.