Ferran Torres embraces fresh challenge after Paris Saint-Germain move

Ferran Torres says joining Paris Saint-Germain represents a major new stage in his career after the French club opened talks with him before the World Cup. The Spain forward left Barcelona this summer after four-and-a-half seasons with the Catalan club, with Paris Saint-Germain paying about 50m euros for his services.

Torres made an immediate impact in France, scoring twice on his debut against Rennes, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

The forward rejected the idea that his move was primarily about proving his ability at a new club. Instead, he said his focus was on enjoying football and helping Paris Saint-Germain continue their recent success.

“It is not about proving anything, but simply about being happy, enjoying myself on the pitch, trying to give my best and helping the team to continue winning trophies,” said the former Barcelona player.

Torres also revealed that Paris Saint-Germain’s interest began before the World Cup had started.

“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.

The move takes Torres to the current European champions, a detail he described as particularly significant in his career.

“Ultimately, they are the current European champions. You are joining the team that has just been crowned champions of Europe, and this is a step in my career. It is a step forward,” he said.

Torres then added a note of uncertainty about exactly how the move should be measured, while stressing its importance to him.

“I do not know whether 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.”

Despite moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, Torres said adapting to his new surroundings had been made easier by similarities between the two clubs’ playing styles.

He was also impressed by the level of training under coach Luis Enrique and linked the team’s work on the training ground to their recent European achievements.

“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 can win their third in a row,” Torres said.

The Spain international also discussed his relationship with Luis Enrique, who he said had played a major role in his development.

Torres worked with the manager during their time with the national team and said Luis Enrique had consistently supported him through difficult and successful periods.

“Before I came here, I always said that, for me, he was like a footballing father during our time with the national team. He always gave me his trust, always, both in bad times and good times,” he said.