In the course of the tour Atlético are undertaking in the British Isles Fernando Torres has been able to `prove that he is well-known and respected by football fans everywhere. The young forward is one of the players most sought after by the autograph hunters of these islands, together with ex-Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman. The autograph-seekers are prepared to wait hours for the team in order to get the scrawl of their idols. Equally the red-and-white captain has received several fan letters and messages in English, which the fans manage to get to him in the most surprising ways.

Torres has also been made aware of the support of the public on the field of play, especially at the home of the MK Dons, where the crowd welcomed him with a warm ovation and cheered his goal as if their own team had scored. These displays of affection show that Fernando Torres’ name keeps on growing, abroad as well as in Spain.


Photo: J. A. Sirvent