Torres Looking for Success in Montreal

Joaquin Torres (24) will become the ninth Argentinian to don Montreal colours in MLS probably sometime in late April. This morning he met with the assembled Montreal sports media by video-link.

“I think my style suits MLS football. I like to attack 1v1, left foot to right, inside to out. I believe I will bring a lot to the team with my goals and assists.”

Torres also becomes the third player with Newell’s Old Boys links to join the Stade Saputo club, having been preceded by Hernan Bernardello and Maxi Urruti. Both Bernardello and Urruti spoke positively to Torres about Montreal, something which influenced his decision to head north.

He’s also kept close tabs on the MLS successes of friends from home, Milton Valenzuela at Columbus Crew and Franco Escobar of Atlanta United.

“From the moment there was an opportunity to come to Montreal, I didn’t hesitate. I’m very happy to bring a complementary profile which the club doesn’t possess and can’t wait to contribute...

“The opportunity to come to MLS is a great one, the league is growing at an incredible rate and the level improves every year,” said Torres.

The Argentinian also spoke of how thrilling and fantastic it is for him to play for a coach of Thierry Henry’s stature. “I can’t wait to meet him and can’t wait to learn from him as well.”

Torres recently extended his contract with Newell’s Old Boys until the end of next year, but will spend 2021 in Montreal. Despite impressing during a loan spell in the Greek Super League last season with Volos, he has not managed to re-enter into the plans of Newell’s coach Frank Kudelka.

Indeed it’s two years but for a month now, since Torres wore the Rosario-based club’s colours, whereas previously he enjoyed a couple of seasons as a first-team regular.

Montreal has an option to make the current loan deal permanent at its conclusion.

“Of course I would like the opportunity to go back to Europe, but my focus right now is Montreal. The only way for me to get back to Europe is by being successful here for a couple of years.”

While at Newell’s Torres was once the subject of a rejected 3m euros bid from Portuguese giants Benfica. That was in 2016/17 before Newell’s the following season went through no fewer than four coaches, the last of which Torres did not find favour with.

That’s when the move to new Greek Super League club Volos New Football Club took place for the 2019/20. The 24-year-old made a flying start with four goals and an assist in his opening four appearances, before goal contributions dried up.

His most memorable marker was an exquisite volleyed back heel in a 3-2 defeat at AEK Athens.

The 2019/20 league season in Greece concluded last March. Since then Torres has played only three minutes of football when he came on as a sub in a Greek Super League Play-Out game in June.