Lucas Torreira: This season will be harder than the last 4 seasons

Galatasaray's Uruguayan footballer Lucas Torreira was the guest at the GSYİAD TALKS event organized by the 1905 Galatasaray Association of Executives and Business People at a hotel in Istanbul. Sharing his thoughts on his arrival at Galatasaray and the new season, Torreira said, "If you had told me 4 years ago that we would be champions here every May, I wouldn't have believed it. I heard from everyone that Galatasaray has a rich history full of success. You have to fight constantly on weekends and weekdays.

We achieved incredible success over the last 4 years. Every year is a different challenge for us, and this year we will fight to win even more. We have been through many battles in previous years; there is an important word for Galatasaray: 'championship'. It is difficult to fulfill this word every year. When you look at it, Turkish football is showing development.

You would never think a name like Mohamed Salah would come here, but he does. As these names arrive, becoming champion gets harder. This season will be difficult. It will be harder than the last 4 seasons. We have the possibility to become champions this year as well and write our names into history with a 5th championship," he stated.

"When the fixture is announced, I look at when the derby matches are"

Stating that he has experienced special moments in every season he has spent in the yellow-red jersey, Torreira said, "Derbies are one of them. When the fixture is announced, I look at when the Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor matches are. It's like that for the fans, and it's like that for us. In a season where we fought through many difficulties, one moment was hugging my father after the goal I scored in the Fenerbahçe match.

I can never forget that moment. I will remember these kinds of moments for the rest of my life in a very difficult league. This year is also a difficult year, but every year is. When we start, we will overcome this little by little. We are used to this pressure. We want the 5th championship, but we also have goals in the Champions League. We achieved very important successes in many matches last season. Our fans deserve these. It consists of a big team and great players.

We all have big goals. To achieve great success, you need to be a big team. For this success, you need leaders. The successes in the last 4 years were achieved by leaders. It's about how good their character is as team players. If Galatasaray is going to reach a certain point, it will be through the dedication of these players," he said.

"Even though the departure of Muslera and Icardi is sad, what remains is Galatasaray"

Regarding the departure of Muslera and Icardi from the team, Torreira said the following:

"I am a little sad this year. Muslera left. He had a special importance for me. When I first arrived, he was a captain and a fan favorite. He was a captain in the true sense of the word. You know how important Icardi is for the team and for me. He became more than a brother. Both of them were more than just leaders. Even though their departure is sad, what remains is Galatasaray. We achieved success together for 4 years. One day my adventure here will end too. Even if it hurts, I will continue to be a Galatasaray fan."

"I will leave whenever they get tired of me"

Stating that he has a contract until 2028 but that you never know what will happen in football, Torreira said, "I love this country very much. My family also enjoys it here. I also love playing football very much. I go to Kemerburgaz early. I enjoy spending time there. I am playing for the best club in Turkey. We knew how to emerge victorious from these struggles. I will leave whenever they get tired of me," he added.

"Coach Okan is one of the best names I have known in the football industry"

Talking about his communication with Head Coach Okan Buruk, the Uruguayan footballer said, "Coach Okan is one of the best names I have known in the football industry, not just because of his career. He knows well what every player needs. He approached me with a lot of empathy. I am grateful to him. He gave me permission during my difficult personal moments, and I spent time with my family. He is also an expert on squad management. He has a very important team. When I first arrived, he made a joke about my height," he said.

"I think the future is bright for Turkey and Uruguay"

When asked about his thoughts on the performance of the Uruguay and Turkey national teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Torreira replied, "Personally, it was very difficult for me. I fought for 4 years and was not in the squad. It is pleasing for me that Muslera is there. I was also very sad for Turkey. The new generation has a good squad. I think the future is bright for Turkey and Uruguay," he answered.

"We prepared very well and they should not stop supporting us"

Finally, addressing the yellow-red fans, the 30-year-old footballer concluded his words by saying, "They should stay calm. They are nervous at the beginning of the season, which is normal. We are used to this pressure. Every team starts the season with zero points. We prepared very well and they should not stop supporting us. Our biggest wish is the 5th championship. We will experience many joys together."

News Source: İHA