Torunarigha on HSV move: "Like love at first sight" | OneFootball

Jordan Torunarigha came to HSV with the claim of becoming the new defense chief. The decision to switch was not difficult for him at all.

With the promotion to the Bundesliga, Hamburger SV has reached a long-awaited milestone. One who is supposed to help establish the traditional club permanently in the highest German league is new signing Jordan Torunarigha. The center-back has now explained in detail why he decided to switch to the Hanseatic city.

Just before the decisive relegation game against SSV Ulm, the HSV officials contacted the defensive specialist. What followed were intensive conversations via video chat. "I had a good feeling right away, it was like love at first sight," Torunarigha said in an interview with Sport Bild and joked: "In the days and weeks that followed, I had several video calls, for which I had to download the Teams app on my cell phone."

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Torunarigha: HSV "the underdog in most games"

The people involved in the club played a key role: sports director Stefan Kuntz, under whose leadership Torunarigha already played in the German U21 national team, sports director Claus Costa, and the coaching team around Merlin Polzin convinced the defender with a clear plan.

"They showed me game scenes from the past season, explained to me how my profile fits into the team. That was very professional," said the 27-year-old, who came to HSV from KAA Gent in Belgium without a transfer fee. Despite other interested parties, including 1. FC Köln, the former Nigerian national player decided on HSV and signed a contract until 2028.

Torunarigha not only brings international experience but also clear ambitions. "We've come here to stay in the Bundesliga. At home, we want to be difficult to beat and unpleasant away," the former Herthaner makes clear. Nevertheless, he also knows: "We are a promoted team, the underdog in most games." 🙏💪🏽👏

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.