KEY POINTS

  • Manchester City was linked as the preferred destination of Lionel Messi
  • Messi ended up staying with Barcelona
  • Ferran Torres believes Manchester City has more in their team beyond Messi

Football’s superstar icon Lionel Messi was heavily linked in leaving Barcelona for Manchester City earlier this month. The deal may not have pushed through but it doesn’t take anything away from the club’s strengths per newly acquired winger Ferran Torres.

Joining from Valencia, Torres is a highly skilled player who can consistently deliver for his club. In 97 appearances, he’s netted nine goals and tallied 12 assists. The 20-year-old moves well on the pitch and provides the hustle and energy for his team. This was one of the key points that manager Pep Guardiola took notice when he was recruiting the Spanish rising star.

“When I spoke to Pep he told me to come to Manchester, that my arrival would be important for the team and that he envisioned the club as a great place for me. From that point, to be honest, I was absolutely convinced to come,” Torres said as reported by Goal.

While it would have been an added bonus to have someone like Messi’s caliber in Manchester City, Torres reassures everyone that their club is more than a worthy squad.

“I think we have a fantastic team beyond Messi,” Torres emphasized.

The club finished second in last season’s Premier League standings with a record of 26 wins, three draws and nine losses.

“We have a group of players ready to compete against any opponent and we are able to do great things in the Champions League,” Torres added.

With Liverpool dominating and eventually winning last year's Premier League title, Manchester City was only a few pieces behind the number one team.

“Liverpool are a really strong team and they have proved it in the last years. At the same time I think we have a squad to win back the Premier League,” Torres shared.

While Torres has a lot of more time to develop, he understands that success won’t be given to him easily. Expectations are high for the club and nothing short of hard work is expected from all players.

“About my personal ambitions, I always want to score goals and assist my team-mates but above all, I want to play and earn my place in the squad.”

It will be interesting to see how Manchester City moves on with the latest additions to their team. Whether or not they have Messi in their squad, Guardiola’s roster is looking forward to maintaining their high-quality football.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is plotting a renewed title charge
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is plotting a renewed title charge POOL / Miguel A. Lopes