Ferran Torres says joining Paris Saint-Germain represents a major step in his career after the France club made contact with him before the World Cup.
The Spain forward left Barcelona this summer after four and a half seasons with the Catalan side, with Paris Saint-Germain paying about 50m euros to complete the transfer. He made an immediate impact for his new club, scoring twice on his debut against Rennes, according to Sport.
Asked whether the move was an opportunity to prove his ability at Paris Saint-Germain, the former Barcelona player said his motivation was not based on answering his critics.
“Not to prove anything, but simply to be happy, enjoy myself on the pitch, try to give my maximum and help the team continue winning trophies,” Torres said.
The 25-year-old also explained that Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in him began well before the World Cup had started. The early approach helped convince him that a move to the European champions was the right decision.
“In fact, even before the World Cup began, they had already contacted us. For us, it was very important that Paris Saint-Germain were interested in signing you. So yes, I wanted to come here, and in the end I am already here,” he said.
Torres described the transfer as a significant moment in his development, given Paris Saint-Germain’s status as the current holders of the Champions League.
“In the end, they are the current European champions. You are joining the team that has just been crowned European champions, and this is a step in my career. It is a step forward,” he said.
He added: “I don’t know if it is forward, backwards or sideways, but it is a step that will change my career, and I am extremely excited about this new phase.”
The forward believes adapting to life at Paris Saint-Germain has been made easier by similarities between the club’s style of play and that of his previous teams.
“When I watched the first training sessions, and I still watch them now, you can see why they won their last two Champions League titles. I hope they help me win my two as well, the first of my career, and that we win their third in a row,” Torres said.
Torres also discussed his relationship with manager Luis Enrique, who worked with him during their time with the Spain national team. The striker said the coach had played a particularly important role throughout his career and had consistently shown faith in him.
“Before I came here, I always said that for me he was like a football father during our time with the national team. He always gave me his trust, always, in both the bad times and the good,” he said.
Torres’ strong start against Rennes has given him an early opportunity to establish himself at his new club, following his departure from Barcelona after four and a half seasons.
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