Mikel Arteta has responded to Lucas Torreira’s emotional public request to leave the club.
Arteta calls on the midfielder to remain calm after the Arsenal midfielder requested to be sold this summer following the death of his mother.
Torreira joined Arsenal in the summer of 2018 and made a positive impression with former coach Unai Emery.
The Uruguayan international, however, found life very difficult during his second season at the club, after Emery put him in a more advanced role.
He then held a prominent place during the first weeks of Arteta’s reign, but was struck by an ankle injury and is now struggling to regain his place on the team when he is back in shape.
The midfielder was loaned to Atlético de Madrid following Arsenal’s decision to sign Thomas Partey in September.
But after starting on a very bright note in Spain, his career has suffered again and he has not been able to get a regular place in Diego Simeone’s team.
Subsequently, Torreira made a public request to end his European career and complete a dream move to Boca Juniors.
Arteta expressed his sympathy for Torreira’s difficult situation and emphasized that any decision would have to be adapted to all parties involved.
“We have contacted him, we have spoken with him, we know how difficult this moment is for him. He was very attached to his mother and his family and it is a difficult time for him emotionally, ”Arteta told reporters.
“There are many thoughts and things that go through your mind but… ‘quiet’ when things are like this is not the time to make decisions.
“I understand, I understand how your need and responsibility to be closer to your family feels emotionally, but this is not the time to make any decisions. Certainly, it is a decision that different parties will have to make and now nothing is going to change ”.
