MX23RW : Friday, December 13 09:14:37| >> :120:8205:8205:

Arsenal midfielder Torreira struggling to adapt to life in England

Lucas Torreira signed a five-year deal when he joined the Gunners from Sampdoria last summer.

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has admitted to struggling with life in England following his big-money move from Italy last summer.

The Uruguay international joined the Gunners in a £26.4million deal from Sampdoria where he had spent the previous two seasons.

Despite making 50 appearances under manager Unai Emery last season, Torreira claims he has so far found it difficult to adapt.

Speaking to Uruguayan outlet Ovacion ahead of his country's opening Copa America clash against Ecuador on Sunday, Torreira said: "I don't know if there are many things that I enjoy. I think I had a better time in Italy.

Lucas Torreira has struggled to adapt to the English weather
Lucas Torreira has struggled to adapt to the English weather (Adam Davy/PA)

"England is a totally different world. The language (barrier) has stopped me being able to relate with my team-mates and the people. It is very difficult when you can't have dialogue.

"And then there is the weather. You go out in the morning and it is cloudy, you arrive at your house in the afternoon and it is cloudy.

"We are from here (Uruguay) and we are used to always – or almost always – having the sun. But as the years go by, I'm going to adapt."

Torreira, who signed a five-year deal with Arsenal, helped the club to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League and the final of the Europa League last season.

Lucas Torreira battles with Eden Hazard in front of Arsenal boss Unai Emery
Lucas Torreira battles with Eden Hazard in front of Arsenal boss Unai Emery (Steven Paston/PA)

The 23-year-old has at least enjoyed his time on the pitch, although losing to Chelsea in the Europa League final was tough.

"I went from the Italian championship to a totally different style of football and life," added Torreira.

"We all know what England is about and what the Premier League is about. I made a very important jump at a football level.

"At Arsenal we played four competitions, while in Sampdoria I was used to playing in only two – the Serie A and Coppa Italia.

Lucas Torreira is currently on international duty with Uruguay
Lucas Torreira is currently on international duty with Uruguay (Adam Davy/PA)

"There were many more matches. I had to get used to playing every three days, which is very hard.

"Unfortunately, we were not able to qualify directly to the Champions League, and we played in the final of the Europa League. Losing that final was very hard, not only for us but for the club.

"But for me the balance was positive and I am satisfied and happy with what I did during the year. I played 50 games, practically twice as much as I played the season before.

"As you gain experience and have different partners by your side, you will learn a lot. I have learned a lot, especially how to handle the matches and their different situations."

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Press Association Sport staff');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', 'def3a584-999e-45e1-9a51-36c762766846');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:club-news,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:uk,paservice:sport:world');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Arsenal midfielder Torreira struggling to adapt to life in England'});

ID:361942: cacheID:361942:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:9052:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Kylian Mbappe in action for PSG on September 29, 2018
Read Next:
World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe desperate to end memorable year on a high
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!