Lucas Torreira admits admiration for PSG star Marco Verratti

Lucas Torreira admits admiration for PSG star Marco Verratti

New Arsenal signing Lucas Torreira has admitted his admiration for PSG midfielder Marco Verratti and that he tries to emulate the Italian’s playing style.

Torreira completed his long awaited £26.4 million to Arsenal earlier this week following Uruguay’s exit from the World Cup, becoming the club’s fourth signing in what’s already been a busy summer for the Gunners.


The 22-year-old has been compared to a number of defensive midfielders across the world, including Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, however he believe it is Verratti with whom he is most similar, admitting the Italy international is a player he very much admires.

“I try to look up to the best players and steal something from all of them. When I am on the pitch I try to play my way and make my contribution to the team,” said Torreira on Arsenal’s official website.

“But it is true that I really like Verratti. I spent two years in his former club Pescara and supporters compared me to him. I went on checking his style and I liked it.”

Torreira has spent the last two seasons with Sampdoria, with whom he has impressed across the continent with his tenacious performances in the midfield of the park.

Arsenal beat off competition from the likes of Liverpool, Napoli and Juventus for Torreira, and the Uruguayan hopes he can prove to the Arsenal fans he was worth the fight in the years to come.

“I like Arsenal because it is a top team. It is a great club playing in the best league in the world. I am also excited about playing with my new teammates,” he said, before continuing: “I would like to say thanks to the fans for all the love and support they have shared on my social media.

“I am here today as a new Arsenal player and we’ll see each other very soon. We will enjoy this beautiful moment.”