MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 09:25:09| >> :60:1223:1223:

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:
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
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144


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!