Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira admits it was his decision to delay an Arsenal medical during the World Cup.

With Uruguay heading home, the Sampdoria man is now clear to complete his £25m move to the Emirates.

Asked if he decided to postpone his Gunners move, Torreira replied: "Yes, we could have done things differently, but I did not want to think about other things.

"The World Cup is important and being part of this squad meant a lot to me. But now I have more time my future will be very clear.

"The important thing is that I'm happy to have been part of this squad and this World Cup, so I thank all the people who accompanied us."

Uruguay were beaten 2-0 by France in the quarter-finals, but Torreira is proud of his nation's efforts.

"Being part of this squad in this World Cup, the truth that it was something magnificent," Torreira said.

"We go home with our heads held high because we knew how to leave everything until the end."