Ferran Torres has admitted that the lure of playing under Xavi at Barcelona was the primary reason for his January departure from Manchester City.
The 22-year-old joined Barça for a fee of around €55m plus add-ons, returning to Spain just 18 months after he'd joined City from Valencia.
Torres' first season at the Etihad Stadium was disrupted by injury yet he still managed a respectable return of 13 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions, and established himself as a starter for Spain heading into the delayed Euro 2020.
But after breaking a bone in his foot while on international duty in October, Torres, who started the 2021/22 season as Manchester City's central striker, was unable to muscle his way back into Pep Guardiola's plans, and Barcelona swooped in to take him to Camp Nou despite their financial woes.
The Spaniard has now told El Partizado de Cope why he opted to move back to La Liga, revealing the role Xavi had on his decision as well as his preference to play on the wing instead of up front.
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"My season was very complicated. First I had the injury, which was very serious," Torres said. "Then I signed for Barça, who were going through a very difficult situation.
"I could have stayed at Manchester City winning many titles, but I wanted a new challenge. Signing for Barcelona is an honour in itself, but when Xavi calls you, it’s a no brainer"
He added: "As a winger I don't consider myself a striker, it's not up to me to score goals. I'm capable of scoring, when I can I have to give assists, but I'm proud that it has given the team more work than the goal. I'm ambitious and I don't want to fail, but I don't mess with my head at all."
Torres is contracted to Barcelona until 2027 after penning a five-year deal upon his arrival.
Source : 90min