New Arsenal signing Lucas Torreira has discussed the importance of the concept of garra charrua to Uruguayans.

The 22-year-old signing for the Gunners excelled for his native Uruguay during this summer’s World Cup, including impressive performances in his country’s 3-0 victory over Russia in the grouip stages and the 2-1 victory over Ronaldo’s Portugal.

Garra charrua is taken from Uruguay’s nickname ‘Los Charruas’ – referring to a mysterious and long-lost indigenous Uruguayan people – the description also refers to a gritty, brave victory in the face of certain defeat or a heroic or divine act.

Fuelled by garra charrua Torreira – who had only appeared three times for Uruguay before the World Cup started – proved to be a vital part of the side that departed at the quarter-final stage after a 2-1 defeat by France.

Speaking to Arsenal.com the Fray Bentos-born defensive midfielder spoke about garra charrua.

Torreira said: “It’s a bit complicated to explain what the ‘garra charrua’ is. It is a way of living football, it is the way all Uruguayans grow up, it is the way we play football in our neighbourhoods.

“The garra charrua is inside every Uruguayan. It is a bit difficult to explain.

“Garra charrua means that we give all we have inside. We give all we have to our football, our jersey and our country.

“We do our best because every time we enter the pitch we represent our family and friends, the most important people for us.”

Arsenal signed Uruguay World Cup star Torreira from Serie A side Sampdoria in a £25 million deal on a five-year-contract on Tuesday afternoon.

The former Pescara player has just returned from representing his country at the World Cup in Russia, where he played in all five matches.

He added: “Garra charrua’ has been a term in vogue because in recent tournaments Uruguay has given people something to talk about.

“The way we beat Portugal in the last World Cup is a good example of it. That’s why they associate us with the term garra charrua – it is something we Uruguayans have inside since we are young.

“It is about the way we feel football, the way we feel our shirt, the effort we put into each game. It is also about team spirit and many other aspects that exist inside the national team.

“In our game against Portugal we had to suffer for a long time because we were tired. But that’s when you bring out the energy you have left in order to get a victory.”

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