Fernando Torres is one of the maximum examples of the Spanish youth squad. With 22 years old, and after seven seasons as the banner of Atletico of Madrid, the international player analyzes the situation the junior football goes through nowadays from the perspective of one who knows very well the curves that waits in the hard way. The interview it has been published in the official magazine of the Professional Football League, at the number of December.

- What opinion deserves the youth squad from Atletico of Madrid?

They are a promising group, with commitment and, above all, with illusion and hope to get some day to participate in the first team. Historically, we have demonstrated that we are a good nursery and every year we still keep it that way. The youth squad of a club must become the base of the first team. That spirit should be transmitted to the rest of the teammates that sign up from other teams.

- Do you know that you are the perfect example for every junior in Spain?

I don’t consider myself and example of the youth squad. I am from the Atleti’s youth squad. It is true that probably for many people of my club I could be a referent, a mirror to be reflected.

- In spite of receiving important offers from abroad, you decided to stay one more season at your Atletico of Madrid. Why?

For faith and feeling. I have explained it several times: As in my house, Atletico of Madrid, I won’t be that way anywhere else. Also, here there is a project of future and that is the clue to keep growing as a team.

- How many players from the subsidiary club could triumph at the first team?

To all those whom they give an opportunity and that opportunity has continuity.

- Would they know how to bear the pressure to play each Sunday in a big team?

I did it. And like me, there are other players. The most important thing it is to help the youngest ones with good football players. And a boy needs to feel supported, wrap, and to feel that he counts with the confidence of the coach, of all the managers and of the institution.

- Why the young promises take so long to make their start at the First Category?

You should ask that to the coaches or to the managers. I don’t know and it doesn’t have an explication. In my case it was quite the other way around.

- Which advice would you give to a youngest member that plays at a Spanish team?

That he should enjoy it, enjoy each match and he shouldn’t hurry to get to a superior category. The most important thing is to be progressing season by season. But not to set a goal.

- Do you understand that the majority of coaches bet for an international footballer more than for a Spanish one?

No, I don’t understand it and I think it is a mistake. But to the coaches they give the players he has to put in the team. There is enough quality to triumph in the Spanish football.

- Players like Agüero and Messi, What can they offer to the Spanish football players?

In this case they are two great football players. What do they offer? For that each one of them should give their opinion. But good players always help.

- Are more valued the foreign players than the ones from Spain?

Of course. And we could see it every week. Watch our teammates that are playing in England and another European Leagues. They count with a great recognition and they never disappoint their coaches.


Photo: Jose Antonio Garcia Sirvent