Guardiola says he will not be disappointed if Torres leaves
Martin Macdonald
- 23 Dec 2021 07:38 CST
- 3 min read
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists he will not be disappointed if Ferran Torres leaves for Barcelona.
New Barca head coach Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman earlier this season and is desperate for reinforcements in the January transfer window.
He has identified Torres as his primary transfer target, and it was announced this week that Man City have agreed a €65 million deal to sell the player to the Blaugrana.
Barcelona will pay €55m up front and €10 in add-ons.
Torres was in good form for Man City before fracturing his foot on international duty with Spain.
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Prior to that, he scored three goals and recorded one assist in seven matches.
When Raheem Sterling complained about a lack of game time earlier in the campaign, Guardiola revealed his stance that any player who wants to leave the club is welcome to.
He has now reiterated that opinion in relation to Torres.
What did Guardiola say about Torres?
When asked directly if he would be disappointed if Torres left, Guardiola told the press on Thursday:
“Absolutely not, I would be happy. I said many times, when he came to me, if you are not happy you have to leave. We are not a club like other teams when you want to leave and the CEO and president say no.
“Another issue is the agreement with the clubs, and the players, it's not my business. If the players want to leave they have to have an agreement with the club.
"If the club isn't accepting the offer, you have to stay.
"That's why players have marvellous agents, they negotiate through the media, through underneath or using the weapons they have to do the deals.
"They have to do it. It's not the case for Ferran. For everyone, if you want to leave because you're not happy here, you believe you'll be happy in another place, you have to go.
"Career is short, one day it's over. If he wants to leave, absolutely no disappointment. It's his desire, I'm happy for him.”
