The Spanish footballer Ferran Torres has said he is «very calm» in each call-up by Luis de la Fuente for the national team, this time on the eve of playing against the Netherlands in the second leg of the quarterfinals in the Nations League, and described himself as «a boy who works hard» and does not intend to set «a limit.»
«In my head, I am very calm. I am a boy who works hard, I don’t think I set a limit. I simply work to see how far I can go and, from there, whenever I have minutes, wherever it may be, I take advantage. I give my best, as I say, and from there I earn more minutes,» Ferran said at a press conference.
For that return match in the playoff against the ‘Oranje’, the current FC Barcelona player played down a comment by Nico Williams that could provoke the Dutch. «We all know that Nico is a very funny guy. It was a bit colloquial, I don’t think it should be taken badly,» he said.
In this sense, the Barça player added that the words of the ‘athleticzale’ forward simply referred to «the confidence we have in ourselves, that we will give our best and that we will try to achieve that victory no matter what.»
With the aim of reaching the Final Four of this tournament, Spain managed a 2-2 draw in the first leg on Dutch soil and will now want to finish the job at Mestalla. «I hope to play, to score, to qualify, and it would be the perfect night for me. Coming with the national team badge to the stadium where I have played so many games would be a perfect night,» he said.
He then pointed out that he wouldn’t say «anything» to the fans about himself or his performance, and that «we all know who creates the buzz,» subtly referring to some journalists. «In the end, I am calm when I come, I give my best, and the numbers are there,» he added.
«It is very important to come here to play this match, after the difficult times that Valencia has experienced in recent months, and to have the opportunity to give them this joy and to make sure that especially the children who live in a more unconscious way can disconnect, enjoy football, and hopefully give them joy and qualify for the final phase,» he argued.
He also spoke about the last few months of the Mestalla’s existence, waiting for the construction of the new stadium to progress. «Let’s hope it remains the 12th player, that this remains a cauldron, that they support us to the fullest. In the end, they will be a key piece in this possible qualification,» he referred to the Valencia fans.
Meanwhile, he indicated that the positive results streak of the ‘Roja’ «is a motivation to keep working as we have been, to believe in this team, even on days when we can’t play at our best.» «We are a family, despite the little time we have to train, the way we get along off the field is evident on the field, and we achieve those victories,» he stressed.
«Lately, I have felt more comfortable as a ‘9’. I believe that is the position where I feel best. But that doesn’t mean I can’t also play as a winger, and I think that versatility is very good,» Ferran reflected on his prominent role at Barça.
«I feel valued a lot by myself, which is ultimately the most important thing. Then by the coaches I have, they are giving me confidence. If not, I wouldn’t be here. And if not, Mr. Flick wouldn’t give me the opportunity to show it. So yes, I feel valued,» he repeated.
He also gave his opinion on several of his Barça teammates. «I don’t know if Lamine knows about pressure, to be honest. I think you just have to watch him, it’s a pleasure, it seems like he’s playing in his backyard or in the schoolyard. I hope he can keep playing like this for a long time, that the pressure doesn’t affect him and he just goes out and has fun,» he wished.
«And Gavi, he has had a very tough injury, possibly one of the worst injuries in the world of football. So he has to be calm, we also tell him that he has to be calm because reaching his best level is a process. Also, this year the competition is very high for me, for him, for everyone. So it’s a matter of time before he regains that level we saw from him,» he predicted about the young Barça midfielder.
«This is part of everyday life. It means that there are always difficult moments, there are always times when you may not be at your best. You just have to keep working, maintain that line so it doesn’t affect you too much. In the end, in the world of football, there is often a lot of pressure, we are very exposed to the media spotlight, there are often injustices, but you have to stick to your discipline, your work, and from there, everything will come,» Ferran concluded in his press conference from Mestalla.
FUENTE