Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has emotionally pleaded for a move away from The Emirates, and expressed he doesn’t want to play in Europe any more.
Torreira is currently out on loan at Atletico Madrid, but has struggled for game time.
The Uruguayan midfielder has started just three La Liga games, and doesn’t appear to be in Diego Simeone’s plans.
Reports have linked him with a move to Boca Juniors this summer, the club he has supported since he was a child.
And now, he has confirmed he plans to move to Boca as soon as he can in order to be closer to his family.
In an emotional interview with ESPN – via Goal – Torreira confirmed his mother has passed away after suffering from coronavirus.
(Image: atleticodemadrid.com/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
The 25-year-old revealed that it has long been his plan for him to play for Boca, and that he has already told his agent of his plans.
Torreira said: “I am trying to understand the situation. It is difficult to come to terms with it but as time passes, we will come to live with this pain.
“My mother was 53 years old and died from Covid. There was an outbreak in Fray Bentos [Torreira’s hometown in Uruguay] and she spent 11 days fighting but on Monday morning I received the worst news.
(Image: NurPhoto/PA Images)
“I asked Atletico for some time off. Cholo (manager Diego Simeone) understood everything and they gave me a week, but I asked to stay for a little longer.
“On Sunday I will probably return. I have to do my duty and life must continue. Atletico have been very good to me and it’s important.
“It’s not a violent emotion, a crazy decision because of my mother. I have always said that I want to play for Boca. I’m dying to play for Boca and I will always say it.
“The night my mother died, one of the first to hear the news was my agent.
“I don’t want to play in Europe anymore, I want to play for Boca.”
Torreira is under contract until 2023, but it is doubtful that Arsenal will stand in his way if he follows through with his wish to depart.
