It’s fair to say you don’t get many Argentines’ plying their
trade in the third and fourth tier of English football; however Sergio Torres
has bucked that trend, having played for no less than four football league
clubs.
After leaving Banfield der Mar del Plata in his native Argentina,
his agent made a 10 minute clip of him, in an attempt to earn him a contract in
Europe.
Though a two week trial with Mark McGhee’s Brighton and Hove
Albion in 2004 didn’t result in Torres being offered a contract, it was the
start of his love affair with England. Being used to a more technical style of
football, Torres was surprised with how different England and Argentina was in
playing style. “I had come from
Argentina where I’d get more time on the ball, and it was a shock to me how
quick the English game was. That was a reason why I didn’t get a contract with
Brighton.”
Shortly after his trial with Brighton, Torres joined
non-league Molesey before moving to Basingstoke Town. Whilst with the latter club it is well documented that he worked in Boots pharmacy store to earn extra money.
In 2005 he finally earned a professional contract with a
league club in the form of Wycombe Wanderers. “I had worked so hard to earn the
chance to play with a professional club, and when John Gorman offered me a
contract, it was the greatest moment of my career.” Torres said. Before going on
to mention he still keeps in contact with Gorman, who is now assistant manager
at the MK Dons.
