Galatasaray Stars Torreira and Icardi Tease Fenerbahçe, Claim They've Raised Turkish League's Level

Galatasaray's star footballers, Lucas Torreira and Mauro Icardi, shared candid insights on the club's YouTube channel, discussing their journey to the championship and offering playful jabs at rivals. When asked about the moment they believed they would win the league, Torreira recalled their first match, while Icardi pinpointed the crucial victory against Fenerbahçe as the turning point.

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We said it in the first match. It was difficult this year. We had to win against Fenerbahçe. If we hadn't won that match, everything could have been very difficult in the last three weeks.

The banter continued as Icardi jokingly referred to Fenerbahçe as the opponent Torreira only scores against once a year. Torreira retorted that he only scores in important matches, particularly derbies. Icardi also highlighted his memorable goal against Manchester United as a personal best, while Torreira cited a match against Bayern Munich, despite a loss, as their best performance as a team.

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I only score in important matches. Only in derbies.

Reflecting on Galatasaray's sustained success, Torreira noted the increasing expectations and the difficulty of maintaining dominance, especially as other teams also vie for the title. Icardi asserted that their presence, along with other international players, has significantly raised the standard of the Turkish league, transforming it into a more competitive environment where players are not just on vacation.

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We have become the biggest team in Turkey, but winning has become easier. The expectation is always higher. We have been champions for four years, but it is not easy. Looking at the other teams, it is understood. They cannot win. Winning is not easy at all.

Torreira revealed a surprising comfort level playing at Fenerbahçe's home ground, stating he enjoys the away matches there more than their own home games. He admitted feeling more at ease in the Fenerbahçe stadium, a sentiment that adds an intriguing layer to the intense rivalry between the two Istanbul giants.

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We came to Turkey and at the end of four years, Turkey is participating in the World Cup after years. We have raised the level.