EXCLUSIVE: Ferran Torres on therapy, environmental issues and career goals | OneFootball

There is often much more to the modern footballer than just football.

Some have dipped into fashion, music and business, while others utilise their platform to amplify social inequality, environmental issues and mental health awareness.

Ferran Torres falls into that latter section and the Barcelona winger was keen to reveal his passions in an exclusive interview with OneFootball.

Ad: SCORE A HAT-TRICK. Check-in. Trade. Earn free crypto daily with BIT.

Mental health has taken a prominent role in recent years, with society working to normalise the stigma around such a difficult and previously neglected topic.

And vulnerability can be intensified in top level sport with millions of eyes and voices critiquing your every move, which has seen Ferran take steps to manage.

“I have my own psychologist with whom I started working with recently,” he explains. “I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

I was always skeptical about how they could help but with time you learn to trust them. You have to remember that they are here to help you.

“They are professionals and as time goes by, you can see the results. This is slowly becoming more common in football but also in everyone’s everyday life.”

Environmental issues are also important for the Foios-born winger who has helped to build a non-profit, international campaign fighting against pollution and climate change.

Even with increased awareness and action being taken worldwide, time is running out to save our planet’s long term future following years of man-made greenhouse gas emissions.

“I’ve also had the opportunity to be involved in a project named “Kick Out Plastic” which I think is something very important.

“If we don’t do anything about how we treat the earth and how we manage our waste, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea in the future.

“This is a cause that affects us all and our planet and we must take care of it. It is our fault and no one else’s but human beings.”

And having grown up on the south coast of Spain, trips to the beach played a significant role in the 22-year-old’s childhood – a tradition he wants others to continue experiencing.

“In the summer, people want to enjoy the beach with their families but if we carry on like this, we won’t be able to enjoy the beach for much longer.

“You don’t need to go up to someone and go on and on about the world’s problems with plastic.

“You have to do things that make them realise the issue so they can try and change this dynamic. You mostly have to realise that the current situation is bad.”

But while his ambitions stretch beyond football, Ferran is focused on maximising his career achievements and dreams of winning honours at every level.

“Obviously winning the Champions League with Barça would be something incredible. Every player also dreams about winning the Ballon d’Or or an award like that.

“I’ve dreamt about moments like that since I was a kid and also moments that are yet to come.

“I think it’s important to have dreams. Those are the kind of things that keep you motivated and make you work hard and improve every day.

“I want to be a footballer until my body says I have to stop or until no club wants me. I’m very happy that my job is what I love to do.”

Whether it’s on or off the pitch, Ferran will be aiming to make a difference wherever possible.