Torreira thanks the home crowd: “Fantastic support even in defeat”

Lucas Torreira is fast becoming the new idol of the Marassi faithful, with the midfielder’s tireless engine and determination in the middle of the park winning him many admirers.

“We’re annoyed with this defeat,” the Uruguayan said to the media after full-time. “Just like Roma, we’ve lost this game at the end despite it being an even contest.

“We didn’t feel demoralised after what happened at the Olimpico, on the contrary we got straight back down to work and played with the same mentality as before. We’ll try to get the victory that we’ve been missing.”

Asked whether the outcome might have been different had the disallowed goal been given, Torreira had this to say: “I’m convinced it would have been a different game. Everyone is telling me that Barreto was onside.”

Sampdoria’s No.34 signed off with a note of thanks to the crowd for their support.

“I want to say something to the fans: it’s fantastic that people believe in us and cheered us on throughout, even at the end.”