Ferran Torres insists 'fantastic' Man City squad can reclaim Premier League title without Lionel Messi

Ferran Torres claims Manchester City don't need Lionel Messi to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.

And the Spain winger insists he is ready to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans even in the face of competition from City’s stellar squad.

Torres - a £20.8million signing from Valencia - has already displayed his self-confidence after willingly inheriting David Silva’s iconic No21 shirt.

He admits to being particularly wowed by Kevin de Bruyne in his early days at the Etihad, but is still convinced he can rival the world class talent at Guardiola’s disposal.

Torres has been so impressed by the quality of City’s dressing that he believes they are well-placed to re-establish themselves are the summit of English football - even after their hopes of a sensational move for Messi were ended by Barcelona.

“I think we have a fantastic team beyond Messi,” said Torres. “We have a group of players ready to compete against any opponent and we are able to do great things in the Champions League.

“Liverpool are a really strong team and they have proved it in the last years. At the same time I think we have a squad to win back the Premier League.

“I always want to score goals and assist my team-mates, but above all I want to play and earn my place in the squad.”

He is confident he can prove he deserves to play alongside stars like De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero.

“My first impression was to look up to them and be aware that I have to learn from them,” he said.

"On the pitch they are going to help you and make you a better player, but from my side I know I also have to do my job and rival them.

“There are fantastic players, but maybe the figure of De Bruyne. He’s one of the leaders of this team and probably one of the players that have impressed me the most. He’s a world-class player.”

He added: “That’s why City is one of the best clubs in the world and why being here is always a challenge. Every window if the situation is not good in one position, the club can find someone in the market. It’s a challenge for me to play at a high level and for the rest of the team too, so that they do not look for a replacement.

“I want to give the manager many options and be ready for any moment the team may need me. My aim is to play as many games as possible.”

Torres has followed in Silva’s footsteps by swapping Valencia for City and did not hesitate to take the number of his legendary countryman, who is widely regarded as the club’s greatest-ever player.

“I haven’t had the chance to speak with him, but he has always been a role model for me since I was a kid,” he said.

“When I arrived at Valencia he was a key part of the first team, alongside the likes of David Villa and Juan Mata. He’s been a reference for me.

“I’ve not had the chance to speak to him but I’ll try to follow his steps in this club. It was a huge honour for me when the club told me I could choose the 21 shirt. Just for what it means here.

“I will try to give my best and be a part of the history of this club. Speaking about reaching what David Silva did in Manchester are very strong words, but obviously it’s an honour to inherit his number.

“I do have really good memories of watching him when I was young at La Mestalla. The team they had, with Villa and Mata as well, was excellent. They practically won everything.

“I also have a lot of memories about when we waited for the first team players to come out from the training sessions. We would be waiting for that moment to ask them pictures and signatures. I remember looking for David Silva above the rest.”

Rather than Silva, it is the departed Leroy Sane who Torres is expected to help replace.

He added: “He is left-footed and I am right-footed. Apart from that, we may share some similarities in our game. He likes playing wide, going one against one, dribbling and helping the team with goals and assists. That’s the same as me and it could be possible that our game styles have some similarities.

“I like to run in behind the back of the defence, but I also can ask for the ball into my feet. I want to give the manager many options and be ready for any moment the team may need me. My aim is to play as many games as possible.

“Pep is a manager that knows how to get the best from any player. That made me feel absolutely sure that Man City was the right step in my career. With Pep as a manager I can reach my full potential.”

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