Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has broken his silence on his failed move to Serie A outfit Fiorentina.
The Uraguay international fell down the pecking order at the Emirates following the appointment of Mikel Arteta.
After a loan spell at Atletico Madrid, he spent the 2021/22 season in Serie A with Fiorentina.
Half of Europe’s top 10 goalscorers under 23 remain available this summer
Torreira was a key player for the Italian outfit last term, playing 31 times in the league.
Fiorentina had the option to sign him permanently for €15m this summer. The player’s deal at Arsenal is set to expire in 2023.
They have attempted to sign Torreira on the cheap, though. Earlier this week they bid €7m for the Arsenal man.
This is said to have ‘annoyed’ the Premier League side and Torreira’s move to Fiorentina is now off the table.
Torreira has spoken out on his Fiorentina exit, saying that he “did his very best” to stay:
“Dear Fiorentina fans, unfortunately the time has come to say goodbye,” Torreira said (via Instagram).
“It is with great sadness that my bond with Fiorentina is ended. A club that gave me so much love and support for all this time.
“From the start, you made me feel at home. I discovered a marvellous city that was always kind to me, both on and off the field. Thanks to your trust, I was able to rediscover the consistency and form I wanted.
“I owe that to my teammates and all the fans who gave me energy game after game. I want you to know that I always gave everything on the pitch for these colours.
“A special thank you to the staff of the club: chefs, managers, physiotherapists, managers and security.
“I want you to know that I did my very best to continue being part of this club, but unfortunately some – acting in my view in a negative fashion – managed to prevent that from happening, so this is why I must leave.
“I wish you all the best for the future. You will have another fan applauding from wherever it is I will go. Forza Viola, Lucas Torreira.”
