‘Fernando Torres and the Emperor’s Consul’ is the title of the striker’s first comic. The publication is the first of a series of comics containing a selection of elite sportsmen. The comic, published by the Spanish editorial group SM, will hit the stands next week.

The beautifully portrayed adventure commences with Fernando Torres and a group of children sat in a television studio. The interview is suddenly cut short as the footballer and the kids are all transported to the Coliseum in Rome. The travelling party with Torres at the helm are ushered into the centre of the arena.

The Liverpool and Spain marksman is armed with just a ball, his only weapon to warn off the marauding lions…