By Matt Badcock
Sergio Torres' journey from a brick factory in Argentina to Old Trafford has already been told in a book – now he's hoping his incredible story will be turned into a documentary film.
The Eastbourne Borough midfielder has a remarkable tale having quit his job in his dad's factory, packed his bags and flew to England with nothing but $300 in his pocket and a dream to become a professional footballer.
After unsuccessful trials he joined Molesey before moving to Basingstoke Town, where he would sleep in the boardroom while working in the day at Boots' warehouse.
But, aged, 24, Torres' gamble finally paid off when he was signed by Wycombe Wanderers to start a nine-year professional career that took in Peterborough United, Lincoln City and Crawley Town.
He famously scored in the Red Devils' FA Cup win against Derby County before they met Manchester United in the fifth round.
In 2013, he co-authored a book with Juan Manuel Lopez – The Sergio Torres Story: From The Brick Factory to Old Trafford – and now he's been approached by documentary maker Jasper Spanjaart.
The pair have launched a kickstarter crowdfunding page with pledges already over £2,500 towards their £10,000 goal by February 5.
“When the book came out lots of people asked me if I was going to do a movie,” Torres told The NLP. “I didn't ever think I'd have a book! Jasper is amazed how much I went through. Football fans love stories like this. I'm really excited and really hope we can reach the target.”
Dreaming
Torres didn't speak a word of English when he first arrived, which led to an early faux pas while on trial.
“My first trial was at Brighton, where I'm living now, and I remember some of the boys would come over to talk to me and I didn't understand anything they were saying,” Torres said.
“The first day I was early and I went to the first-team dressing room. A guy came in and said, ‘Er mate, you need to go next door'. I didn't understand so I didn't move! He had to take me and say, ‘This is your dressing room mate'.”
Torres picked up the language speaking to his Boots supervisor Keith, still a friend today, who was football mad and a Basingstoke fan.
He met his wife Lena while on tour in Germany with Wycombe and says football has given him everything.
“There are lots of kids out there who are dreaming,” he said. “Something like 97 per cent of kids released by academies don't make it into professional football.
“I tried in Argentina, it didn't work out. I went on trial at three or four clubs and they didn't want me. I came to England and they didn't want me. Surely I should think I'm not good enough.
“But, I don't know, it was never in my head. There are a lot of people who are like me when I was a kid and I can say, ‘It's never too late'.
“I signed my first pro contract when I was 24, which in football is quite late. Those nine years were the best.
“I'm 36 now and I'm still playing part-time because I love it. I had offers from clubs in the summer to be a manager, but I don't think I'm ready for that. I just love playing.”
Pledge to help Sergio make the documentary at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spnjrt/the-unknown-torres-a-documentary
*This article originally featured in The @NonLeaguePaper, which is available every Sunday and Monday
