Arsenal loanee Lucas Torreira took taking one for the team to the next level during Fiorentina's draw with Inter Milan on Saturday.
The midfielder’s front tooth became loose during the crucial Serie A game, but instead of coming off a substitute, he decided to rip it out and play on. The Uruguayan had put Fiorentina ahead after 50 minutes but Inter’s equaliser five minutes later meant Torreira felt compelled to soldier on rather than exit the contest.
Serie A allows up to five substitutes for each side during a game but the Gunners playmaker decided his tooth problem was not worth sacrificing a replacement for. The 26-year-old has netted four times in 25 league fixtures this season with La Viola eight in the table.
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Since securing a move from Sampdoria in 2018, Torreira has played 89 times for Arsenal with four goals and six assists to show for it. He hasn't played for the London club since July 2020.
He enjoyed a loan spell at Atletico Madrid last season as the Spanish club lifted the La Liga title. His contract at the Emirates doesn’t expire until June 2023 but he is keen on moving back to Italy permanently, according to his agent.
Speaking to broadcaster Sport890, he said: "Fiorentina logically want to buy him because he is playing very well. He has returned to having an impressive continuity and dynamism.
"Lucas is happy in Florence and I think they will take him, to date he is one of the most loved players by the fans." The Gunners paid around £26million for Torreira but he is likely to go for less, with a reported £13million transfer clause present in his contract.
