Mikel Arteta was quizzed about Lucas Torreira’s comments from last week about his desire to leave Arsenal at the end of this season.

The Uruguayan has had a torrid time out on loan at Atletico Madrid. He has barely played there and his problems on the pitch have become irrelevant now after what happened in his personal life a few days ago.

Torreira’s mother tragically passed away last week and that has hit the midfielder hard. We all know how emotional he is, and after all the issues he has faced on the pitch, this has been a very difficult one to take for him.

The Uruguayan came out and claimed last week that he does not want to play in Europe anymore. He publicly revealed he wants to join Boca Juniors and requested Arsenal to sort out a deal that would see him leave this summer. (Click here to read his comments)

Arteta was asked about the Uruguayan’s comments and the Arsenal boss has told the midfielder to calm down as this isn’t the right moment to make decisions.

He said, as per Hayters TV: “We contacted him, we have spoken to him. We know how difficult a time this is for him. He was really attached to his mum and to his family. These are hard times for him as emotionally, there are a lot of thoughts and things going through your mind.

“Tranquillo! When things are like that, it’s not the moment to make decisions.

“I understand how he is feeling emotionally. Probably he needs that responsibility to be closer to his family. It’s not a moment to make any decisions, certainly, it’s a decision that has to be made by different parties. It’s just an interview, some comments, let’s wait and see what happens.”

The Insider’s View:

It really is a difficult situation for Torreira. His emotions are running high and it is understandable that he wants to return to his home continent to be closer to his family and loved ones.

Arteta handled the questions brilliantly in his press conference today. The Arsenal boss was understanding and his advice to Torreira was perfect – ‘Tranquillo! When things are like that, it’s not the moment to make decisions.’

Arsenal and Torreira will have to sit down at the end of this season and come to conclusion. Hopefully, it’s one that works out for both parties.

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