Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres, who has been called the “Spanish Thierry Henry”, joined Liverpool July 4, 2007. Liverpool broke the bank to sign the talented youngster and dished out £26.5million to Atletico Madrid beating out Barcelona, Chelsea and a host of other marquee clubs who were after his services.

After his first year with the English side £26.5million looked like an absolute bargain. He scored 33 goals in all competitions in his first season and has formed a dangerous partnership with Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.

While many football fans have just recently heard of the Spanish goal machine Torres has been in the European scene for a number of years now.

Torres started his professional career at Atletico Madrid and turned down countless offers from Premiership and Liga clubs. He remained loyal to his boyhood club for twelve-years, six as a professional, making 214 appearances and scoring 82 goals.

Atletico Madrid signed him at the age of 11 after he netted 55 goals in his first season at amateur side Rayo 13.

Torres signed his first professional contract in 1999 but he had to wait until May 27, 2001 to make his debut against Leganes. He scored his first goal the following week against Albacete.

He was captain of Atletico Madrid before he departed and the money Atletico received on Freddy’s sale has seen them enter the Champions League this season and make it to the Round of 16.

Internationally Torres has found recent success as well as he helped Spain to their first major trophy in over forty years with their Euro 2008 win.

The Spaniard’s mix of pace, physical strength, athletic ability, and finishing prowess has made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe and he still does not look content. El Nino will be a star for many years to come.

Personal Information

Name: Fernando Jose Torres Sanz
Nickname: El Nino
Age: 25
Birth Date: March 20, 1984
Nationality: Spanish
International: Spanish National Team
Position: Forward
Height: 6′ 1”
Previous Clubs: Atletico Madrid