Ferran Torres arrived in the northwest of England in the summer of 2020, from Valencia. He left a club, his lifelong club, in which he had already become someone important. A poster that he did not carry with him when he landed in the Premier League. He was a stranger to the English public, but Manchester City’s bet was more future that of present for the soccer player of 20 years. A wardrobe that resembles a constellation, full of stars. However, he missed one of his childhood idols. He inherited the number 21 from David Silva, as the canary had headed to Real Sociedad at the end of 2019/20.
The Valencian began to offer sparkles soon. Showing your business card already in its beginnings as light blue. He scored and gave a goal pass in his fourth game under the command of Pep Guardiola, against Burnley in the League Cup, and assisted again four days later in the draw against Leeds United in the Premier League. But it was difficult for him to gain a permanent position in the City’s eleven. Foios’ was frustrated, who understood that the opportunities he had were few. “When he arrived he was in incredible spirits, but then he was sad, angry with the world and with various situations“His coach explained at the end of last season.” That’s why he didn’t play well at first. When he changed his mind and was more open and receptive, when he smiled again, he played well again. “
Pep Guardiola had already spoken with Spanish coach Luis Enrique about Torres’ potential as a forward center before signing him, as reported by Sam Lee in The Athletic. The Foios one fulfilled this task. With 13 goals, the Valencian became the footballer who has scored the most in his debut campaign at Manchester City under the Catalan coach. Sergio Agüero explained offensive movements to him, Fernandinho was a great help during the first weeks, as well as his future teammates Èric García and Aymeric Laporte. Count of The Athletic that Ferran Torres took Phil Foden to train and he had set up a language exchange with Raheem Sterling, teaching Spanish and learning English. Ferran Torres closed his first campaign in Manchester scoring a hat-trick in Newcastle, where achieved the best club goal of the season, as voted by the cityzen fans. He won the Premier League, the League Cup and was runner-up in the Champions League, where he scored in four of the five group stage games he played. His pedigree grew, and at EURO 2020 he emerged as one of the most outstanding footballers of the Spanish team.
Another of the Valencian’s frustrations was living away from family and friends. And also not being able to enjoy life in Manchester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the summer rumors arose about the incorporation of a renowned forward, either Erling Haaland or Harry Kane, so Torres did not have them all with him. TAfter the summer, he once again enjoyed a good start to the campaign, scoring two goals and giving an assist in the win against Arsenal on matchday three. He started the first four days of the Premier League and also played the game against RB Leipzig with which City opened its European course. His name began to be heard with more force in Manchester, but an injury in a concentration with Spain put a pause to his season. Then Barcelona appeared. Mateu Alemany had already worked with Ferran at Valencia, and in November he traveled to Manchester to meet with City and negotiate the transfer. There was a first refusal, but the interest of Xavi Hernández was decisive. Torres, now 21 years old, is offered to be a key part of the restructuring and rejuvenation of a team with footballers such as Pedri (19 years old), Gavi (17) or Nico (19).
Ferran Torres leaves, returning to the Spanish league. He does so by being a more complete footballer, but still with a lot of potential to develop. He came, saw, and left. He arrived as a stranger and now that he was beginning to stand out. “If you want to go, it is not a disappointment,” Pep Guardiola said recently at a press conference about the rumors of the transfer to Barcelona. “If it is his wish, I am happy for him. If you think you will be happy in a place, you must go. The race is short. When Barcelona or Real Madrid knock on your door, it’s hard to say no. I understand that you want to leave. “