Barcelona midfielder Pablo Torre has not ruled out the possibility of leaving the club in January, after seeing his game time reduced recently.
Torre was close to leaving the club over the summer, but eventually decided to stay, and has been rewarded for that decision by flourishing when given the opportunity by new manager Hansi Flick.
The youngster started three successive games for the Catalans in late October, scoring against Villarreal, and helping Flick's side to a home win over Getafe.
However, since the return of Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Fermin Lopez from injury, Torre's minutes have been slashed, playing just 15 minutes in Barca's last eight games.
They came against Sevilla last month, and Torre again showed his worth to the German manager, scoring twice late on as Barca ran out 5-1 winners.
Sensational form of late has left Flick reluctant to change personnel often, though, but he may have some fruit for thought after an underwhelming performance in the 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad.
Torre speaks out about his future
Torre is currently on Spain Under-21 duty, and has spoken to the media in a press conference, as well as having a sit-down interview with Relevo about his current situation at Barca.
"Flick spoke to me and told me he was happy [at Torre staying], but it was difficult for him to give me minutes.
© Imago
"I trust myself a lot. During the season there are moments for everyone because, unfortunately, injuries occur. I wanted to try to take advantage of all those moments. So far I've been able to do it, but there's a lot of healthy competition.
"Maybe I deserve more minutes, but I have faith that I'll succeed, if not, I would have already left." Torre stated.
"I haven't talked to him [Flick] about playing more, there are many people with more experience."
Torre did not rule out the possibility of leaving the club when the window reopens in just over six weeks though.
"Everyone can't play everything. We have to share the minutes. But every footballer wants to smell the grass and is happier playing. There is still a month and a half left [before the January window] in which I must be focused on Barcelona. Afterwards, we will see what happens." Torre revealed.
Where could Torre go if he leaves Barcelona?
The midfielder also gave a wry smile when possibly hinting at where he may want to move to if he does depart Barcelona.
Torre arrived from boyhood club Racing Santander in 2022, and they are currently flying high in LaLiga2, sitting eight points clear at the top of the standings and are big favourites for promotion after 13 years away.
"I look forward to playing at El Sardinero again, I know I will return to Racing.
"I will retire there," Torre claimed.
The 21-year-old played 36 games for the club as a teenager, and with minutes hard to come by a Montjuic, a return sooner rather than later could be a possibility.
Andrew Delaney
