Steve Gerrard spoke to Spanish newspaper 'AS' ahead of the semifinal clash in Spain with Atletico Madrid. Gerrard, who is overjoyed at having the striker as a friend and a teammate at Liverpool, hopes his side can overcome the forward's absence over the two legged tie... and hinted that he would love to see Torres in an England shirt.

- The Torres-Gerrard combination has struck fear into defences home and abroad...how have you forged such a special partnership?

We have a great understanding both on and off the pitch. We are good friends, he's a good laugh, and a great person to have around. We just clicked. l love playing alongside him, and his movement and style of play are great to watch. He will be sorely missed. It’s a pleasure to see him in the Liverpool Red shirt, and when he is on form, he’s the best striker in the world. Perhaps Messi is the best all round player in the game at the moment, but I firmly believe that Torres is the best number '9' around. He’s our new Ian Rush. Although we live 45 minutes apart, we meet up a lot outside of football. We spend all day at Melwood cracking jokes.

- Torres was a favourite with fans almost from day one...

The fans want a striker who can score goals, but there is a lot more to it than that. The supporters like everything that Torres has to offer, his attitude, passion, and dedication. Since scoring against Chelsea in his Anfield debut. his raport with the fans has been excellent. If he remains at the club for many years to come, he will become a club legend.

- With the World Cup right around the corner... which player (non-English) would you like to have in your team?

Fernando Torres and Wayne Rooney would make for a very explosive strike partnership.