Ferran Torres: Valencian at heart

This is a special international window for Ferran Torres—not only because it’s the first of the year with a place in the UEFA Nations League Final Four is at stake, but above all, because the second leg of the tie is to be played in the city where he grew up, both as a person and a footballer. “Travelling through the city on the team bus on the way to the stadium brings back so many memories. It’s a real source of pride to experience it again, and even more so with the national team,” enthused the forward, who plays for both Spain and FC Barcelona.

Regarding the upcoming match against the Netherlands in the city that suffered the worst of last year’s storms, he admitted: “It was one of the toughest moments for Valencia, a massive natural disaster. We now have the chance to bring some joy to all Valencians. Hopefully, we can win.” He added: “I went through it too; it affected me deeply. I was injured at the time, but as soon as I could, I came to help and do my bit, because this is my city. Being there, where it all happened, was a huge shock for me.”

Ferran Torres then showed us a tattoo he recently got to honour what happened in the city as his way to always carry Valencia with him. “I got a tattoo not long ago of a gladiator holding a Valencian flag. This is my city, and this is a way to always have it with me,” he explained.

The footballer who is Valencian at heart is eager to play at the Mestalla in front of his people.