Trophy-chasing Torreira proud to represent Uruguay in UEL final

  /  autty

Lucas Torreira has impressed Arsenal fans during his debut season for Unai Emery's North Londoners as the big day dawns against Chelsea in the Europa League final.

"For me the most important thing is to have some of my family there so that they can enjoy the spectacle and I hope to give them something to celebrate," he said, adding: "At the moment I am the only player from Uruguay left in the Europa League or Champions League.

"I'm well aware that I'm going to have the whole country following the final and I'm really proud to be able to represent them."

A season which could climax in glory has also made Arsenal more popular in Uruguay.

"I'm not sure what to say about that at the moment because since I signed for Arsenal - apart from going back to Uruguay straight after that," he said. "I haven't been able to get back to the country all season.

"I have seen through social media, through messages that people have sent to me, through TV, that loads of people are interested.

"You see kids, not just in my hometown but all across Uruguay with Arsenal tops on now."

Torreira has had a far bigger impact in England than countryman Diego Forlan a generation earlier.

Torreria recalls Forlan's triumph. "I can't remember exactly where I was but I'm sure I was in Uruguay.

"We are a country of football lovers and we always keep a close eye on footballers who are playing abroad.

"Diego Forlan was a massive influence for all footballers who dreamed of going on to play at the highest level, in the biggest leagues. He is an idol and I think all Uruguayans were very interested in his career."

Related: Arsenal Emery Torreira
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