Ferran Torres excited by stunning Barcelona hat-trick in 100th club appearance

By SABC Sport
22nd January 2024

Barcelona's dynamic forward, Ferran Torres, marked his 100th appearance for the club with a dazzling hat-trick on Sunday night against Real Betis.

The 23-year-old's stellar performance propelled Barcelona to a thrilling 4-2 La Liga victory at the Benito Villamarin.

Torres, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City in January 2022, expressed his joy in an interview with the club's official media channels. "It's a dream come true. Just coming here was a dream, and to play 100 games in this shirt makes me very happy. I want to help this club as much as I can and hope to stay here for many more years," said the elated forward.

Reflecting on his journey at Barcelona, Torres highlighted some of the cherished moments during his two-year tenure. "My first goal at San Mames, which came after a long injury, the two titles - the Super Cup and La Liga, and the start of this season when I hit my best form," he recalled. Torres emphasized the importance of a changed mentality and hard work in overcoming challenges, sending a powerful message that nothing is impossible with dedication.

An impressive statistic emerged as Torres stands as the second-highest goalscorer for Barcelona under the management of Xavi Hernandez, with 25 goals to his name. Acknowledging this achievement, Torres expressed gratitude for Xavi's faith and support, crediting the manager and his staff for their unwavering belief in him.

Mental strength has been a defining factor in Torres' success, as he emphasized, "I think I'm in the best form of my career. I've never been so self-confident. Mentally, I am much stronger." He attributed his confidence to discipline, hard work, humility, and consistency, showcasing the importance of a robust mentality both on and off the pitch.

Beyond his contributions on the field, Torres plays a crucial role in fostering a positive team atmosphere. Amid challenging times, he strives to unite the team, inject humour, and share his experience to navigate through the trickier phases of the season.

As Torres reaches this significant milestone, he reflects on the personal and player development undergone during his 100-game journey at Barcelona. "I'm very different, both personally and as a player. Things have changed, and it's about constant improvement, which you will always get at a club like Barca. You need to improve constantly and learn every day," he remarked, encapsulating his commitment to continuous growth and excellence.