The world of sport, the Spanish daily sport newspaper ‘Marca’ and over 700 fans and members of the press gathered in Madrid to pay homage to the Liverpool and Spain number ‘9’. At the ‘III Marca Forum for Sport’, Fernando Torres received an award in recognition of his memorable goal for Spain in the Euro 2008 final. In a relaxed atmosphere the striker responded to questions put to him by supporters and journalists. There were also plenty of laughs as the forward told a couple of funny anecdotes to the audience.

At the end of the event, Torres was handed the award along with a giant copy of a front page of ‘Marca’ with a photo of the magical moment from Vienna final when the forward scored the game’s only goal.

During the forum the forward looked back over the strike that ultimately led to Spain lifting the 2008 European Championship title. “At the time it was a gamble, another piece of play, but the feeling I got when I saw the ball hitting the back of the net ball was unbelievable. It was a lifetime dream you thought would never happen finally coming true. To be responsible for uniting a country and a title success is the greatest thing that can happen to you.”

When asked about the current Spain side, Fernando commented that: “we have a great team. We are going to be a part of the next World Cup, and we have the right to dream of doing something special. Hopefully we can repeat our recent success because this squad will be the same group as before, but two years more experienced.”

This summer sees Spain take part for the first time in the Confederations Cup. The event takes place in South Africa just one year before the World Cup kick-off for the first time ever in the African continent. “It will be our first contact with South Africa and some of our possible rivals. The important thing is to maintain the level of competition, and as for trophies, the more the merrier.”

Fernando Torres spoke about the special bond he has with the Atletico Madrid faithful. The Director of ‘Marca’, Eduardo Inda took time out to mention that the attendance and warm welcome received by Fernando Torres had greatly surpassed that of the guests at the two previous forums (Real Madrid’s Raul and Barcelona’s Messi). The forward revealed that he was “not surprised at the welcome. I was born into the Atletico family and I know just how the supporters think. It makes me feel very proud to see Liverpool shirts being worn at the Vicente Calderon Satdium, and Atletico Madrid tops on view at Anfield.” The Spaniard recalled as a child having, “witnessed Atletico’s League and Cup double and also relegation to the Second Division, a mix of good and bad times. Regardless of results, they are supporters who are always fully behind their team.” In reply to a question asking the forward if he would one day return to his boyhood club, Fernando revealed that “it would be important for me to finish my career at the place where I started.”

When asked about his goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League clash at Anfield, Torres recalled that “it was a very special moment. I played through the pain barrier. I even had to cut open the side of the boot so that the bandage could fit. I really wanted to play and at the end I felt that the risk had been worth taking.”

Liverpool were drawn alongside Atletico Madrid in the same group of Champions League, however an injury kept Torres on the sidelines for both of the clashes. “It was frustrating not being able to play, you eventually come round to the idea that you are going to have to sit it out, but when both sets of supporters chanted my name it was by far the best moment of the season for me, even more special than any award or goal could ever be. The 25 year old also talked about the moment when he carried a Spanish flag with an Atletico Madrid crest during Spain’s Euro 2008 celebrations in the Spanish capital. “I left the airport without a flag, but when we passed under a bridge at Avenida de America a fan tossed me a flag. Each player was carrying a flag and I was proud to carry mine.”

Fernando went on to talk about how since joining Liverpool he has developed as a footballer and also about Gerrard’s leadership qualities. “I have improved a lot at Liverpool, and as for Gerrard, he’s one of the world’s best players and I hope to be able to play alongside him during the rest of my career. He’s a true captain, and you always know that he will be there for you. Even before I was officially presented as a Liverpool player, I received a message on my phone from Gerrard. It’s these small details that make him such a great captain.” Torres went on to say that he considers the skipper “as the best player in the world” although he added that “more than anyone, Messi has deserved all the accolades he has been awarded.”

The forward was asked by one of the people present which coach he preferred, Rafa Benitez or Luis Aragones. Fernando Torres confessed that he would choose “both of them. I started under Luis when I was 17 years old, and he had a lot to show me and I had a lot to learn. Luis means a lot to me. Rafa has helped to raise my game. He ensures that you improve in each and every training session and I hope to continue learning under him and that we can win titles side by side.” When questioned if he would follow Rafa Benitez should the manager one day join Real Madrid, Torres assured those present that: “he’s under contract at Liverpool until 2014, and hopefully that move will never happen. But should it ever happen and Rafa were to leave, I would not follow him.”

Torres was asked to choose his favourite midfield pairing from Xabi Alonso and Gerrard, and Iniesta and Xavi. It was a tough decision and Fernando decided to vote for both. “If I can continue playing alongside both sets of midfielders, with Liverpool and with Spain respectively, then brilliant.” The striker, who recently announced his new contract deal with Liverpool, confirmed his intention of staying put on Merseyside: “I wouldn’t join Barcelona or Real Madrid.”


Photo: MARCA