Premier League is popular because of its slick marketing and strategies, says Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres has claimed that the Premier League is not as good as it seems and depends mainly on slick marketing to get the fans interest and attention. The Spaniard is currently on a two-year loan at AC Milan from Chelsea.
The la Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that the former Chelsea striker has revealed that he is enjoying life in Italy in spite of having scored just one goal for AC Milan in the league. Torres also added that he does not miss playing football in England and stated that only the Premier League’s marketing sets it apart from the other European leagues.
Marketing sets EPL apart from others
"Seven years [in England] were enough," he told the reporters. "It's a great league, but it seems better than it is because they know how to sell it and push it more than in other European countries.”
"But for me right now, all that counts is AC Milan. They are my priority. AC Milan will be great again because top players want top clubs and the top clubs are those with a great history. Football moves in cycles," he adds.
Hoping to score in the derby and win for the fans
The 30-year-old is scheduled to play his first ever Milan derby on Sunday at San Siro. However, he surely has similar experiences while representing Atletico Madrid and also been part of the Merseyside derbies.
"This derby fills me with emotion," he stated about how he felt playing the derbies. "A derby is all about passion, for those involved and for those watching. Winning this game is the first thing the fans asked me when I arrived at the airport in August. I said 'Claro, vamos a ganar' - 'Of course, we're going to win it'. Maybe it sounds more fascinating in Spanish."
"These games last six months, everywhere in the world. I just hope I score in this one. Milan signed me to score goals, and to score more than anybody else. That's my job, otherwise somebody else will come and do it. But I'm not obsessed about scoring. If I see a better-placed team-mate, I'll always pass the ball to him."
The Spanish attacker has struggled to find form since arriving at San Siro from Chelsea on loan in August, having just scored only one goal in his nine league appearances in a 2-2 draw at Empoli way back in September.