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11 months ago
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Last night was a special occasion for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres as he made his 100th appearance for the club against Real Betis.
And the 23-year-old ensured that the outing was a memorable one as he scored a brilliant hat-trick to fire Barcelona to a 4-2 win at the Benito Villamarin.
The former Manchester City sat down for an interview with Barça’s official media channels earlier today and discussed reaching the milestone with the club and doing it in such style.
“It’s a dream come true. Just coming here was a dream and to play 100 games in this shirt makes me very happy. I want to help this club as much as I can and hope to stay here for many more years,” said Ferran.
Barcelona memories
Since joining the club two years ago in January 2022 from Manchester City, Torres has seen a number of highs and lows at Barcelona. When asked to recall some of the moments he cherishes the most at the club, the Spaniard said:
“I’d say my first goal at San Mamés, which also came after a long injury. And I’ll pick a 2×1, which is the two titles, the Super Cup and La Liga, that we won.
“And the third, rather than a moment is a period, the start of this season when I’ve hit my best form, with a changed mentality, getting over a difficult time when I was struggling to get playing time.
“But I was able to change a difficult situation and earn more chances and take them. So people know that nothing is impossible, and if you work hard, it will come in the end.”
As it turns out, Ferran is the second-highest goalscorer for Barcelona under manager Xavi Hernandez, having netted 25 goals. When asked about that, the forward said:
“I am the 2nd highest scorer under Xavi? Most of all, his faith to bring me here and entrust me with being part of this project. I am very grateful to him and his staff, who ultimately have always supported me and that shows on the pitch.”
Barcelona travel to San Mames to face Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey later this week – the place where Ferran scored his first goal for the Catalans, although the match was lost. And the attacker hoped things turn out different this time out, saying:
“Of course I was glad to get my first goal but not with the end result. Now we are going back to that stadium and the idea is to advance to the next round of the cup and keep achieving targets.”
Ferran made his 100th appearance for Barcelona. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)On his mentality
One of the main aspects that Xavi highlights when talking about Ferran is his mentality. The 23-year-old has shown great mental aptitude to rise from difficult situations and prove himself to be a valuable asset to the team.
Discussing his mentality, Torres said: “I think I’m in the best form of my career. I’ve never been so self-confident. Mentally, I am much stronger.
“I learned that it’s all about mentality. That’s what creates that self-confidence that’s so important to feel right both on and off the pitch. As well as working hard, staying humble and being consistent. It’s discipline that gets you to stand out from the rest.”
On being nicknamed ‘The Shark’, he said: “There were jokes at first but now it’s part of my lifestyle. Mentality is important to me and my team-mates see me as an example to follow, someone who has turned around a difficult situation, and that motivates them to do the same.”
On changes to his game and the future
Ferran Torres then discussed how he tries to keep the team’s atmosphere positive, especially in recent times when things have not been going their way.
“I try to keep the team united. To make jokes, make sure everyone is looked after, and contribute my experience. I am still young but thanks to God I have experience for dealing with the trickier parts of a season,” he stated.
On the changes that he has personally gone through during his 100-game stint at Barcelona, he added: “I’m very different. Both personally and as a player, things have changed. When it comes to dealing with things.
“You learn a lot in two and a half years, and it’s about constant improvement, which you will always get at a club like Barça. You need to improve constantly and learn every day.”
On where he sees himself in two years, Ferran replied: “Hungry to improve and win titles for this team and helping in any way I can.”
Concluding, he also had a word for the fans and the support they had shown, as he said: “I was so proud when they chanted my name for the first time at Montjuïc. I know they are there for me and the team. I want them to be calm, to know that we are very united and that we need the fans more than ever… But we will bring them a lot of joy this season.”
