Ferrán Torres on interest from big clubs and hopes of lifting the World Cup

Spain eye a place in the history books on Saturday as they look to win the U17 World Cup for the first time against an England side that has a chance to do the same. The talent on display throughout the tournament is plain to see and one of Spain's stars, Ferrán Torres, 

How does it feel to be World Cup finalist?

I am very proud and it is an honour. There are months of work that goes into it and to play in a World Cup final is compensation for all of the effort.

Did you expect to make it this far?

We always said that we would take it step by step. We arrived here with the objective to advance and when we got to the semi-final, yes, you start to think that you can make it to the final.

You've become one of the sensations of the tournament but go back to where it all started. At what age did you start playing football? 

From the time I learned how to walk. Everything around me was being kicked and my parents realised that they had to give me a ball.

Who is the person who infuenced your passion for football?

My granny. I was always kicking around and playing with her. I remember I even broke her glasses one time with a really hard shot (laughs).

Did you always stand out on the field? 

It all started in the schoolyard. When we played games between my friends, they saw that I did things the rest couldn't. I started playing football sala in school and from there the opportunity to play with Valencia arrived. I've been in the Valencia youth set-up since I was six

Who was your idol as a kid? 

David Villa.

What type of player is Ferrán Torres?

I am a footballer that plays on the wing. Very direct. I believe that power is my greatest strength.

From the beginning you stood out from the crowd and the press has talked about you. How have you coped with that. 

I was not as strong as I am now. As a kid, I liked seeing and hearing it. I took it well, I remained calm.

When was the first time you were called up by Spain

It was the under-16s. it was the most important news of my life. To represent your country in a World Cup is a beautiful thing. Many kids would give anything to be here. 

You have already experienced winning a European title, can you imagine what it would feel like to win the World Cup

To win the Euros was one of the most important things I have done in my life and now I hope to win the World Cup. It's a challenge for us and it would be a massive milestone in out lives. We speak about it together as teammates. The joy that would come with it is hard to imagine.

How many times have you dreamt about it?

Countless times. And now we are as close as ever to those dreams and you think that it could come true...Madre Mia!

Have you improved as the tournament has gone on?

Those first days, it took us a while to adapt to the climate, to another culture. But not we are completed adapted and we are more like ourselves. We are finishing games better and are able to tolerate a lot more. You can really see it.

Did it help by losing to Brazil?

It was a hard blow but we are a very united group and we never doubted that we were going to come back. the secret to this team is that we are all going in the same direction, we believe in the same thing and we know that the teammate by your side will fight for the same dream as you.

Will beating England in the European Final back in May help? Does it give you much confidence?

England have made some changes and you never know. A lot of time has passed since that game and both teams have improved.

What are you expecting from the final?

We will give everything, until we can't give anymore, to lift the World Cup.

Aside from football, to experience India is an important thing...

You get to know a different culture. It's lovely. You see people that have almost nothing and still they are happy. That helps to give you perspective on a lot of things.

Are you aware of the expectations of you in Spain? 

We have been getting a lot of support, and it is appreciated. But now we are thinking about this final. We hope they continue on supporting us as they have until now.

Your name has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona and other big European clubs. What do you think of that? 

It is always a compliment, above all because it means that I am doing things right. But now, I am focused on the team.

Now you are also the big attraction for Indian journalists too.

This all stays off the field. For better or worse, this is a part of football. My family and my agents help to keep my feet on the ground, to be humble and above all else, to remeber where I come from.