Fernando Torres - Liverpool

Fernando Torres, Liverpool’s No.9. This player and this club were seemingly destined to be together.

In April 2007, during a 2-0 away defeat to Real Sociedad, Torres’s Atletico Madrid captain’s armband slipped during an argument, revealing the words “You’ll Never Walk Alone” written on the inside.

He later revealed that he and a group of friends had been Liverpool supporters as boys, and the rest of them agreed to each get the words of the Reds’ famous anthem tattooed together.

Torres, however, being the captain of his boyhood club, could not be seen to have the motto of another team etched on his body. Instead, his friends gifted him the armband.

Liverpool’s No.9: Fernando Torres’ Iconic Arrival at Anfield

Liverpool fans were enraptured by the sight, and it didn’t take them long to have a song prepared for their superstar signing.

“His armband said that he’d a Red, Torres, Torres…”

He arrived for a club-record fee from Atletico in July 2007, with Luis Garcia moving the other way, and quickly set about assembling the most productive goal-scoring season Liverpool had ever seen from a debutant.

Torres shone bright, and during his time at Liverpool, he was ranked as the greatest striker in the world. At the international level, he won the European Championship twice and a World Cup. He was on the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year podiums and was named in multiple FIFPro XIs.

Torres’ Unforgettable Debut Season at Liverpool

During his debut season, Torres formed a deadly partnership with Steven Gerrard, racking up goals and thrilling the Anfield faithful. He became the most prolific foreign player in a debut season, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record, scoring 24 league goals.

His incredible performances saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year, and he was nominated for several individual accolades, solidifying his place among the world’s elite strikers.

Injuries and Decline: The Impact on Torres’ Career

But it all ended so disappointingly and so quickly too.

Torres was, arguably, not the same player after suffering the effects of too many injuries. Before his injury trouble, he was a rapid runner, always seeking to dart in behind, and his finishing was unerring.

After, he seemed bereft of pace and confidence, and the goals dried up. There is a marked difference between Torres pre-injury and post. Although he won trophies with Spain, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid after he left Anfield, he was never the same player again.

Transfer to Chelsea and Career Struggles

Liverpool saw the very best of Fernando Torres in his three-and-half-year spell, where he worked in tandem with Steven Gerrard, but delivered no trophies.

His search for those took him to Stamford Bridge for a record fee after handing in a transfer request. Despite the goals, the songs, and the memories, Liverpool fans have never forgiven him for it.

At Chelsea, Torres struggled to find his previous form, scoring just one goal in his first 18 matches. His infamous open-goal miss against Manchester United summed up his difficulties at the club.

Return to Atletico Madrid and International Success

After his stint at Chelsea and a brief spell at AC Milan, Torres returned to Atletico Madrid, where he was welcomed with open arms. Despite not reaching his earlier heights, he contributed to the team’s Europa League win in 2018.

At the international level, Torres played a key role in Spain’s success, winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 World Cup. He even earned the Golden Boot at Euro 2012.

Life After Football: Managing Atletico U-19s and Gym Transformation

Torres is currently managing the Atletico Madrid under-19s and was involved in two high-profile spats with former Liverpool teammate Alvaro Arbeloa. The pair clashed during a Youth Champions Cup match in May 2023, and tensions flared again in October 2023.

Since retiring, Torres has also made headlines for his remarkable body transformation, becoming noticeably bulkier. He operates gyms across Madrid and continues to stay involved in football and fitness.

Personal Life and Footballing Legacy

Torres has been married to Olalla since May 2009. Together they have two children, a daughter, Nora, born in July 2009, and a son, Leo, born in Liverpool in December 2010.

Despite the ups and downs in his career, Fernando Torres remains one of the most iconic players of his generation, with Liverpool fans still singing his name and remembering the brilliance he brought to Anfield.