Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira was beaten outside a cafe in the Beyoğlu district and a man was taken into custody, police said. The former Arsenal star, who has been plying his trade in Turkey since 2022, was targeted in the attack and suffered a cut around his left eye. Torreira has filed a formal complaint against the suspect and is pursuing charges.
It turned out that the culprit had a criminal record. Authorities also established that a restraining order was already in effect against the suspect at the time of the assault. The incident took place at a cafe in a shopping center in Chami Kebir district. Police were called to the scene and apprehended the suspect as he tried to get into a taxi to flee the scene.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the perpetrator had previously published threatening messages aimed at Lucas Torreira.
Torreira moved to the Turkish team and won the Super Lig title in each of his four seasons with the club. The Uruguayan fell through the ranks at Arsenal, with loan spells at Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina before securing his permanent departure.
The midfielder was scouted by manager Unai Emery in 2018 following his impressive performances for Sampdoria. His tenacious approach won him admirers from the start, with him scoring in a memorable 4-2 win against Tottenham in the North London derby.
However, his popularity waned when Emery was replaced by Mikel Arteta. Torreira’s determination to secure a transfer was driven by his ambition to represent his country at the upcoming World Cup. He explained at the time: “I had to have continuity for the World Cup. That’s why I decided to go to Türkiye and Galatasaray.”
“Their project ended up convincing me in the end. And for a player like me, it’s very important to have continuity, just like last season. I got a call from Galatasaray.[Gala and Uruguay goalkeeper]Fernando Musler was very important for me when making this decision.”
