Pau Torres remains 'totally calm' amid Manchester United and Real Madrid transfer rumours

The centre-back, who is currently on Euro 2020 duty with Spain, played a starring role for Villarreal last season, helping them win the Europa League title.

Pau Torres in a file photo; Credit: Twitter
By Karthik Raman | Jun 22, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Villarreal’s centre back Pau Torres has been a talent to watch since he broke into the senior team at the domestic level, with the defender reportedly being on the radars of major clubs for a while now. Last season, the rest of Europe took notice of his accomplishment when he played a key role in Villarreal’s Europa League victory. It is not a surprise anymore that European heavyweights are being linked with the 24-year-old defender. Premier League and La Liga giants, Manchester United and Real Madrid, have been said to be interested in the defender. However, Torres remains “totally calm” at this moment as he is solely focused on helping Spain qualify from their group in Euro 2020.

With his stock rising at the domestic and international level, Goal asked the defender about the transfer speculation. In response, Torres said, “I have a contract at Villarreal, I just won the first title for the club, we have qualified for the Champions League and it is something that excites me a lot. Now I’m focused on the Euros. Then the Super Cup and nice things will come, so I’m totally calm.”

Spain is taking on Slovakia in their final group match and Torres is only concentrating on that match right now. “I live in my home town, very quiet, doing beautiful things and fighting for great things with my hometown team. I’m totally calm, right now I am only focused on the European Championship, on Wednesday (when Spain will take on Slovakia),” he added.

Added responsibility

Following Sergio Ramos’ surprising exclusion from Spain’s Euro squad, Torres has taken on more responsibilities with his country. The iconic Real Madrid defender, who became a free agent, was a surprise omission from the final squad following an injury-hit campaign. In his absence, Torres has slotted in at defence and has been solid in the opening two matches.

“I spoke with him several times. Both he and the coach have explained the decision,” Torres said. “Sergio has spent a lot of the season injured, unfortunately. I was the first one who wanted to see him here because I appreciate him a lot. We are the ones who are here, we are the ones who have to take this forward.

“I’ve got on well with Sergio from the first day I came to the national team, for me he has always been a benchmark and now that he has to decide where his future is, I wish him the best and that the decision he makes is the best for him and for his family.”

Torres on his coach

Ramos’ absence does not seem to affect Spain much in defence as they remain solid at the back, conceding only one goal in their two group games. However, their problems lie at the other end of the pitch. They have also found the back of the net only once till now, taking two points from as many outings. As a result, many questions have been raised regarding their coach, Luis Enrique’s, ability to motivate them to European triumph, as they did in 2008 and 2012.

Talking about the situation, Torres said, “The coach is our leader from day one, the team play the style he wants. I think he is proud that we do what he asks of us on the field. We will continue to do so. We all believe and know that this way is the right way for the results to arrive.

“We see him as being as positive as he was at the beginning, with even more desire for that first victory to come. Very excited, as we all are, to continue in the tournament.”





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