Fernando Torres

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This article is about the Spanish footballer. For other uses, see Fernando Torres (disambiguation).
This name uses Spanish naming customs; the first or paternal family name is Torres and the second or maternal family name is Sanz.
Fernando Torres

Torres playing for Chelsea in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final
Personal information
Full nameFernando José Torres Sanz[1]
Date of birth (1984-03-20) 20 March 1984[2]
Place of birthFuenlabrada, Spain
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[3]
Playing positionStriker
Club information
Current clubChelsea
Number9
Youth career
1995–2001Atlético Madrid
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2001–2007Atlético Madrid214(82)
2007–2011Liverpool102(65)
2011–Chelsea99(19)
National team‡
2000Spain U151(0)
2001Spain U169(11)
2001Spain U174(1)
2002Spain U181(1)
2002Spain U195(6)
2002–2003Spain U2110(3)
2003–Spain106(36)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 10:44, 20 January 2014 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 10:44, 20 January 2014 (UTC)

Fernando José Torres Sanz (Spanish pronunciation: [ferˈnando ˈtores]; born 20 March 1984), nicknamed El Niño (The Kid in Spanish),[4] is a Spanish footballer who plays as a striker for Chelsea and the Spain national team.

Torres started his career with Atlético Madrid, progressing through their youth system to the first team squad. He made his first team debut in 2001 and finished his time at the club having scored 75 goals in 174 La Liga appearances. Prior to his La Liga debut, Torres played two seasons in the Segunda División for Atlético Madrid, making 40 appearances and scoring seven goals.

Torres joined Premier League club Liverpool in 2007, after signing for a club record transfer fee. He marked his first season at Anfield by being Liverpool's first player since Robbie Fowler in the 1995–96 season to score more than 20 league goals in a season. The most prolific goalscoring spell of his career, he became the fastest player in Liverpool history to score 50 league goals. He was named in the FIFA World XI in 2008 and 2009. Torres left the club in January 2011 to join Chelsea for a record British transfer fee of £50 million, which made him the most expensive Spanish player in history. In his first full season at Chelsea, Torres won the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, despite receiving criticism for a comparatively low goal-scoring record. The following season he scored in the final of the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League, helping Chelsea to win the competition for the first time. He joined team-mate Juan Mata in becoming the first players to have held all 4 of the Champions League, Europa League, World Cup and the European Championships simultaneously.

Torres is a Spanish international and made his debut against Portugal in 2003. He has been capped over 100 times and is his country's third-highest goalscorer of all time. With Spain he has participated in five major tournaments; UEFA Euro 2004, the 2006 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012. Spain won the latter three tournaments, with Torres scoring in the finals of both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.

Early career

Born in Fuenlabrada, Community of Madrid,<ref name="Fernando Torres condecorado con la Medalla "Ciudad de Fuenlabrada"">"Fernando Torres condecorado con la Medalla 'Ciudad de Fuenlabrada'" (in Spanish). SER Madrid Sur. 6 February 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2010. </ref> Torres became interested in football as a child and joined his first team, Parque 84, at the age of five.[2] His father José Torres worked during Torres' childhood, and his mother Flori Sanz travelled daily with him to training sessions.[5] His grandfather was not a passionate football fan, but took pride in being an Atlético Madrid supporter, and Torres inherited his love for the club.[2]

Torres started playing football as a goalkeeper, the position his brother played in.[6] When he was seven years old, however, he started playing regularly as a striker in an indoor league for the neighbourhood club, Mario's Holland,[2] using the characters from the anime Captain Tsubasa as inspiration.[7] Three years later, aged 10, he progressed to an 11-side team, Rayo 13.[8] He scored 55 goals in a season and was one of three Rayo 13 players to earn a trial with Atlético.[8] He impressed the scouts and joined the club's youth system at the age of 11 in 1995.[8]

Club career

Atlético Madrid

After progressing through the ranks, Torres won his first important youth title in 1998.[8] Atlético sent an under-15 team to compete in the Nike Cup, in Spain and Europe, to play against youth teams from other clubs; Atlético won the tournament.[8][9] He was later voted the best player in Europe for the age group.[9] In 1999, at the age of 15, Torres signed his first professional contract with Atlético.[8] He spent his first year playing in the youth team and participated in the Honor Division when he was 16.[10] The 2000–01 season had started badly, as Torres suffered from a cracked shinbone which kept him out until December.[10] Torres trained with the first team to get prepared for pre-season, but eventually made his debut for the team on 27 May 2001, at Vicente Calderón, against CD Leganés.[10] A week later, he scored his first goal for the club against Albacete Balompié and the season finished with Atlético narrowly missing out on promotion to La Liga.[10]

Atlético were promoted to La Liga at the end of the 2001–02 season, although Torres did not perform well in the season, as he netted only 6 times in 36 appearances in the Segunda División.[11] Torres' first season in La Liga, 2002–03, was better, however, as he scored 13 goals in 29 appearances, with Atlético finishing in 11th place.[10][11] In July 2003, soon after his takeover of the club, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had a £28 million bid for Torres rejected by Atlético's board.[12] In the 2003–04 season, his second in La Liga, Torres made further strides, scoring 19 league goals in 35 appearances,[11] meaning he finished as joint third highest scorer in the league.[13] At the age of 19, Torres was named Atlético's captain.[9] Atlético narrowly missed out on qualification for the UEFA Cup, but by finishing in seventh place in the 2003–04 season, they qualified for the 2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup, giving Torres a first taste of a competition at the European level.[14] He scored two goals in the two fourth round matches against OFK Beograd, with one coming in each leg.[14] Atlético reached the Final, but lost 3–1 on a penalty shoot-out to Villarreal CF following a 2–2 draw on aggregate.[14] FA Premier League champions Chelsea were believed to be interested in signing Torres during the summer of 2005, but Atlético president Enrique Cerezo said that they had "no chance" of signing him.[15] Cerezo later said in January 2006 that the club was willing to listen to offers for Torres, and Torres claimed Newcastle United of the FA Premier League had made a bid to sign him in March.[16][17]

He stated after the 2006 FIFA World Cup that he had turned down an offer to join Chelsea at the end of the 2005–06 season.[18] Torres scored 14 league goals in the 2006–07 season.[11] The English media reported that he was the main transfer target of Premier League Liverpool,[19] but Cerezo stated "We've received no offer from Liverpool or any other club or player".[20] However, a few days later, new reports suggested Atlético had agreed a deal with Liverpool for Torres; the fee was rumoured to be £25 million with Luis García moving to Atlético in a separate transfer deal.[21] On 30 June, Atlético announced a deal to sign Diego Forlán from Villarreal, in what was seen as a move to replace Torres before his departure became official.[22] On 2 July, it was reported that Torres had cut short a vacation to fly back to Madrid to finalise the move to Liverpool.[23] The following day, Torres passed a medical at Liverpool's Melwood training ground.[24] He held a press conference in Madrid on 4 July to bid farewell to the Atlético fans, before completing his move to Liverpool on a six-year contract.[24] The transfer fee was the highest in Liverpool's history.[22] In March 2008, manager Rafael Benítez stated in an interview with The Times that Torres was acquired for around £20 million, although this figure takes into account García's move to Atlético.[25]

Liverpool

2007–08 season

Torres made his competitive debut for Liverpool against Aston Villa in a 2–1 win on 11 August 2007.[26] He made his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League four days past his first performance in a 1–0 victory over Toulouse, after coming on as a 79th minute substitute.[27] His first Premier League goal came on his Anfield debut on 19 August 2007, in the 16th minute in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea.[28] His first hat-trick came in a 4–2 victory over Reading in the League Cup on 25 September 2007, with all of his goals coming in the second half.[29] His first goals in the Champions League came on his third appearance in the competition as Liverpool beat Porto 4–1 on 28 November 2007, as he scored twice.[30] He was named the Premier League Player of the Month for February 2008,[31] during which he scored four goals in four appearances, including a hat-trick against Middlesbrough on 23 February 2008.[32] This hat-trick and another in a 4–0 victory over West Ham United on 5 March 2008 meant he became the first Liverpool player since Jack Balmer in November 1946 to score a hat-trick in successive home matches.[33] Later in March, after he scored a 47th minute header against Reading at Anfield, becoming the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler in the 1995–96 season campaign to score 20 league goals in a season.[34] In April, he scored another Champions League goal, this time against Arsenal in the quarter-final second leg, as Liverpool advanced to the semi-final.[35] This goal took him onto 29 goals for the 2007–08 season in all competitions,[32] eclipsing Michael Owen's personal record for goals in a season.[36] On 11 April 2008, it was announced Torres had made a six-man shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award,[37] which was eventually won by Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United.[38] The Spanish international was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, which was won by Cesc Fàbregas of Arsenal and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.[38] In May, he finished second to Ronaldo for the FWA Footballer of the Year award.[39]

On 4 May 2008, Torres scored a 57th minute winner against Manchester City, which equalled the consecutive Anfield league goal record of eight games set by Roger Hunt.[32][40] After scoring his 24th league goal in the final game of the season, a 2–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur, he set a new record for the most prolific foreign goal scorer in a debut season in England, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy's 23 goals.[32][41] He ended the season in joint second place with Emmanuel Adebayor in the race for the Premier League golden boot.[42] Torres was subject to media speculation that Chelsea were willing to pay £50 million to sign him but Torres responded by saying it would be "many years" before he left Liverpool.[43][44] Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks also negated the idea of a transfer, saying he would not allow Torres to leave the club at any price.[45]

2008–09 season

Torres celebreates scoring against Vålerenga Fotball on 5 August 2008

Torres made a scoring start to the 2008–09 Premier League season with a 25 yard shot into the bottom right-hand corner away at Sunderland, which was the only goal in a 1–0 win on 16 August 2008.[46] He suffered a hamstring tear in a 0–0 draw against Aston Villa, which would keep him out for two to three weeks.[47] Torres made his return in a 2–1 victory against Marseille in the Champions League and went on to score two goals in the Merseyside derby against Everton on 27 September 2008 to give Liverpool a 2–0 win.[48][49] He followed this up with another two goals the following weekend against Manchester City in a 3–2 win away at the City of Manchester Stadium as Liverpool came back from a two goal deficit.[50] The first of these was the thousandth Liverpool goal to be scored in the Premier League.[51] Torres picked up a hamstring injury during a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier, meaning he was likely to miss three games for Liverpool.[52] On 22 October 2008, Liverpool played Torres' former club Atlético in the Champions League at the Vicente Calderón, but his injury meant he missed out on the game.[53] The Atlético president, Enrique Cerezo, had given him a VIP invitation to watch the game, but he declined this to continue his rehabilitation from injury in Merseyside.[54] He was named in the FIFPro World XI team for the 2007–08 season on 27 October 2008.[55] Torres made his return for Liverpool on 8 November 2008 after coming on as a 72nd minute substitute in a 3–0 victory against West Bromwich Albion (West Brom).[56] He said he would be interested in returning to former club Atlético eventually, saying "I don't know if I will retire there, but I would like to go back and finish some things that are left to do."[57] He was ruled out of action for two to three weeks following Liverpool's 1–0 victory over Marseille in the Champions League in November, where he picked up a hamstring strain,[58] which was later extended to at least four weeks by specialists.[59] He was named on the shortlist for the FIFA World Player of the Year award in December,[60] and eventually came in third place behind Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.[61] Torres returned to action on 3 January 2009 as a substitute with a goal in the 2–0 win over Preston North End; his first in the FA Cup.[62] He scored two late goals for Liverpool to secure a 2–0 victory over Chelsea on 1 February 2009.[63] Despite having spent a year and a half at the club, Torres was chosen as number 50 in The Times's list of "The 50 greatest Liverpool players", reinforcing the impact he had made at Liverpool in such a short period of time.[64]

Torres faced his old rivals Real Madrid on 10 March 2009 in the Champions League last 16 and due to an ankle injury, he had a painkilling injection before the game to enable him to play.[65] He scored the first goal of the game, which ended as a 4–0 victory, meaning Liverpool progressed to the quarter-finals 5–0 on aggregate.[66] Four days later he lined up against Manchester United at Old Trafford and he scored the equaliser in a game that finished as a 4–1 victory.[67] He was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the second season running in April 2009.[68] Torres scored his 50th goal for Liverpool on 24 May 2009 against Tottenham on the final day of the 2008–09 season, which was his 84th appearance.[69]

2009–10 season

Torres lines up before Liverpool's game against Wigan Athletic on 9 March 2010

Following the end of the season, he agreed a new contract with Liverpool,[70] which he signed on 14 August.[71] By signing this contract, Torres had the option of a one-year extension after the contract's expiration in 2013.[72] Torres scored two goals in a 3–2 win over West Ham United on 19 September 2009, a result that took Liverpool to third in the Premier League.[73] A week later he scored his first hat-trick of the 2009–10 Premier League season in a 6–1 victory over Hull City at Anfield.[74] He was named Premier League Player of the Month for September, after scoring five goals during the month and becoming the Premier League's top goalscorer.[75] On 25 October 2009, he scored the first goal in a 2–0 victory for Liverpool over Manchester United,[76] after which Benítez praised Torres' performance, saying "We were waiting for that final pass. When it came we knew he would score."[77] Torres was named in the FIFPro World XI for the second successive season in December 2009.[78] His stoppage-time winning goal against Aston Villa on 29 December 2009 made him the fastest Liverpool player ever to score 50 league goals.[79] He was substituted on 65 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Birmingham City on 4 April 2010, which Benítez justified by saying Torres was "exhausted".[80] Torres made his last appearance of the season scoring twice in a 4–1 victory over Benfica in the Europa League on 8 April 2010,[81] and it was announced on 18 April that he would miss the rest of the season to undergo knee surgery.[82] This meant that Torres finished the season with 22 goals in 32 games in all competitions, finishing as Liverpool's top scorer for the second time.[81]

2010–11 season

Following Roy Hodgson's appointment as Liverpool manager he stated that Torres would not be sold by the club, saying "He is not for sale and we don't welcome any offers for him. We want to keep him."[83] Hodgson dismissed reports Torres was set to leave Liverpool by saying "He has told us that he is looking forward to Monday, to getting back to work and looking forward to playing for Liverpool next season. That is what I know so other reports, I would suggest, are erroneous."[84] Torres stated his commitment to Liverpool on 3 August, saying "My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed."[85]

Torres in Liverpool away colours in a UEFA Europa League match against FC Utrecht on 30 September 2010

He made his first appearance of the 2010–11 season in the opening game, a 1–1 draw with Arsenal on 14 August 2010, entering the game as a substitute in the 74th minute.[86] He scored his first goal of the season with the winner in a 1–0 victory over West Brom on 29 August 2010,[87] which was his 50th goal at Anfield in all competitions.[88] Torres scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory at home to Blackburn Rovers on 24 October 2010, which was his first goal since August.[89] He scored his final goals for Liverpool in a 3–0 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on 22 January 2011.[90]

Chelsea

On 27 January 2011, Torres was the subject of a £40 million bid from Chelsea, which was rejected by Liverpool.[91] He subsequently handed in an official transfer request to Liverpool the next day, which was rejected.[92] Torres completed his move to Chelsea on a five-and-a-half-year contract on 31 January 2011 for an undisclosed fee reported to be £50 million, which set a new record for a British transfer and made him the sixth most expensive footballer in history.[93] He made his Chelsea debut on 6 February 2011 in a 1–0 home defeat to former club Liverpool.[94] On 23 April 2011, Torres scored his first goal for Chelsea against West Ham United in a 3–0 victory, which ended a run of 903 minutes of football without a goal.[95] This was his only goal for Chelsea in the 2010–11 season, having made 18 appearances for his new club.[96]

2011–12 season

Torres playing for Chelsea against Arsenal on 21 April 2012

Torres got the 2011–12 season underway in Chelsea's 0–0 draw away against Stoke City on 14 August 2011, in which his "link-up play was sharp, plus he was willing to make intelligent runs into space to receive the ball".[97] He scored his second goal at Chelsea, and his first of the season, on 18 September 2011, during an away game against Manchester United, which was the side's only goal in a 3–1 defeat.[98] He scored his second goal of the season at home to Swansea City in a 4–1 victory.[99] However, 10 minutes after his goal, a two-footed challenge on Mark Gower resulted in his first red card in English football and a three-match domestic suspension.[100][101] On 19 October 2011, Torres scored two goals in a 5–0 victory against Genk in the Champions League, his first in Europe since the quarter-final of the 2008–09 Champions League with his old club Liverpool, against Chelsea.[102] His next Chelsea goals came after scoring twice and also assisting two others against Championship side Leicester City in an FA Cup quarter-final on 18 March 2012, ending a goal drought that stretched 24 games.[103] On 31 March 2012, Torres scored his first Premier League goal since 24 September 2011, against Aston Villa in a 4–2 away win.[104]

Torres came on as a substitute for Didier Drogba on 24 April 2012 to score a last-minute goal against FC Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, which gave Chelsea a 2–2 draw, and also eliminated Barcelona from the tournament, as Chelsea won 3–2 on aggregate.[105] He scored the first hat-trick of his Chelsea career in a 6–1 win against Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge on 29 April 2012.[106] Torres came on in the second half of the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final on 19 May 2012, directly after Bayern Munich's opening goal, and following a 1–1 draw after extra time Chelsea won the penalty shoot-out 4–3.[107] His first full season at Chelsea finished with 11 goals in 49 games.[104]

2012–13 season

Torres playing for Chelsea against Roma on 10 August 2013

Torres started the 2012–13 season in the 2012 FA Community Shield against Manchester City at Villa Park, where he scored the opening goal, as Chelsea lost 3–2.[108] On 19 August 2012, he appeared in Chelsea's first league match in a 2–0 away win against Wigan Athletic.[109] Torres scored his first goal of the season in Chelsea's next match on 22 August 2012, a 4–2 home win against Reading, scoring the third goal to give his side the lead.[110] He also scored against Newcastle United, Arsenal and Norwich City as Chelsea topped the table in the early weeks of the season.[111][112]

Torres was sent off for receiving two yellow cards against Manchester United on 28 October 2012, the second for diving, leaving Chelsea with nine men after teammate Branislav Ivanović was also sent off; the team went on to lose 3–2.[113] Torres scored his first goal in the Champions League for the season after deflecting Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov's clearance into goal, as Chelsea needed a 94th minute winner from Victor Moses to secure a 3–2 victory on 7 November 2012.[114] On 21 November 2012, Roberto Di Matteo was replaced as Chelsea manager by Rafael Benítez, who had previously coached Torres at Liverpool.[115] It was reported that one reason for Benítez's appointment was to help Torres return to his best form.[116]

Torres ended a goal drought that stretched over 11 hours of game time with two goals in Chelsea's 6–1 defeat of Nordsjælland in the Champions League on 5 December 2012.[117] Three days later he scored another two goals, ending a run of eight Premier League games without a goal, as Chelsea defeated Sunderland 3–1.[118] He then scored in Chelsea's 2012 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final 3–1 win against Monterrey of the Mexican Liga MX on 13 December 2012, before playing in the 1–0 defeat to Brazilian Série A side Corinthians in the final three days later.[111]

On 14 March 2013, Torres scored the third goal as Chelsea defeated Steaua București 3–1 to advance 3–2 on aggregate to the quarter-final of the Europa League.[111] With this goal, Torres became the first player to score in seven different competitions in one season.[119] In April 2013, Torres acknowledged his struggles at Chelsea, saying: "I want to do the things I used to do. I did them at Atlético, I did them at Liverpool, but I am not doing them at Chelsea", but he vowed to "try his heart out" to regain his best form.[119] He scored twice against Rubin Kazan in the 3–1 win in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final on 4 April 2013, before scoring again in the second leg 3–2 defeat, with Chelsea progressing to the semi-final 5–4 on aggregate.[111] Torres scored the opening goal in Chelsea's 2–1 triumph over Benfica in the 2013 UEFA Europa League Final on 15 May 2013.[111] During the final game of the season, a 2–1 home win over Everton, he scored his first league goal of 2013, and finished the season with 22 goals in 64 games.[111][120]

2013–14 season

Torres was selected to start by Chelsea's new manager José Mourinho against Hull City on the opening day of the 2013–14 season, where he won a fifth minute penalty kick.[121] He scored his first goal of the season in the European Super Cup against FC Bayern Munich.[122] On 28 September, he was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in Chelsea's 1–1 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.[123]

On 22 October 2013, Torres made his 100th start for Chelsea against FC Schalke 04 in a Champions League match and marked the occasion by scoring two goals in a 3–0 win.[124][125] His first Premier League goal of the season came on 27 October as he scored the winning goal in the ninetieth minute over title challengers Manchester City, while also providing the assist for André Schürrle's opener.[126] On 14 December, Torres opened the scoring in Chelsea's 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace.[127]

International career

In February 2001, Torres won the Algarve Tournament with the Spain national under-16 team.[128] The under-16s took part in the 2001 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship in May, which they also won, with Torres scoring the only goal in the Final, as well as finishing as the tournament's leading scorer, and was also named the player of the tournament.[9][11] In September 2001, Torres represented the under-17 team at the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Championship, but the team failed to progress through the group stage.[11] In July 2002, he won the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship with the under-19 team and was again the only goalscorer in the Final.[9] Also, he finished as top scorer and was named player of the tournament.[11]

“ We complement each other very well. We get on well on the pitch and very well off it too. We're a good partnership. We both chase down defenders, put pressure on and fight to create chances for each other. ”

—David Villa, speaking about Torres[129]

Torres made his debut for the senior team on 6 September 2003 in a friendly against Portugal.[11] His first goal for Spain came against Italy on 28 April 2004.[11] He was selected for the Spanish squad for UEFA Euro 2004.[11] After appearing as a late substitute in Spain's first two group games, he started for the deciding game against Portugal.[11] Spain were losing 1–0 and, towards the end of the game, he hit the post.[11]

Torres celebrating victory with Spain at UEFA Euro 2008

He scored 7 goals in 11 appearances in qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup,[130] making him Spain's top scorer for qualification, including a vital two goals against Belgium and his first international hat-trick against San Marino.[11] At his first ever appearance in a FIFA World Cup finals at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Torres scored the final goal in a 4–0 victory over Ukraine with a volley.[131] In the second group match, Torres scored twice against Tunisia, first in the 76th minute to take Spain 2–1 into the lead, and then again from a penalty kick in the 90th.[132] With three goals, he finished the tournament as Spain's top scorer along with fellow striker David Villa.[133]

He was called up for Spain's UEFA Euro 2008 squad,[134] where he set up Villa to score Spain's first goal of the tournament in the first game in the group stage against Russia.[135] Torres came under criticism for apparently refusing to shake the hand of Spanish manager, Luis Aragonés, after being substituted.[136] He subsequently denied being angry with the coaching, saying that he was actually "irritated with himself".[136] He scored his first goal of the tournament in Spain's next game, a 2–1 win over Sweden.[137] Torres scored the winner and was named the man of the match in the final against Germany in a 1–0 victory.[138][139] He said "It's just a dream come true. This is my first title and I hope it's the first of many. Victory in a Euro, it is almost as big as a World Cup. We are used to watching finals on television, but today we were here and we won. My job is to score goals. I want to win more titles and be the most important player in Europe and the world."[140] He was later named as a striker along with his striking partner Villa in the Team of the Tournament.[141]

Torres made his 60th appearance for Spain in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification victory over Turkey on 28 March 2009, becoming the youngest player to reach this milestone.[142] He was named in Spain's team for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in June.[143] He scored his second hat-trick for Spain after 17 minutes into a Confederations Cup game against New Zealand on 14 June,[144] thus recording the fastest hat-trick by a player for Spain.[145] He played for Spain as they were defeated 2–0 by the United States in the semi-final,[146] as well as the third-place play-off, which Spain won 3–2 against South Africa after extra time.[147]

Torres celebrates with Spain at Plaza de España on 12 July 2010 after winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Having undergone knee surgery on 18 April 2010, and missed the end of the Premier League season, Torres' rehabilitation and fitness was closely monitored by Spain manager Vicente del Bosque.[82] Although still out injured, Torres was selected for Spain's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad in May.[148] On 8 June, Torres made his first appearance on the field in exactly two months, coming on as a substitute on 66 minutes against Poland in a pre-World Cup friendly.[148] He came on as a substitute on 61 minutes in Spain's opening World Cup game on 16 June, a 1–0 defeat to Switzerland.[149] He started the next two games against Honduras and Chile and although his performances in the group stage were described as below-par, he received backing from manager Vicente del Bosque.[150] Torres came on as a substitute on 105 minutes in the final as Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the first time following a 1–0 victory over the Netherlands on 11 July 2010.[151]

Torres (left) celebrating with Spain teammates Juan Mata and Sergio Ramos after winning UEFA Euro 2012

Torres was selected in Del Bosque's UEFA Euro 2012 squad.[152] In his first start of the tournament he netted two goals as Spain defeated the Republic of Ireland 4–0 to knock them out of the tournament.[153] In the UEFA Euro 2012 Final, Torres came on as a substitute against Italy, scoring one goal and assisting another, as Spain won a second consecutive Euopean Championship with a 4–0 victory.[154] This secured him the Golden Boot for the tournament with three goals and one assist, having played fewer minutes than Mario Gómez, who also had three goals and one assist.[155]

Torres won his 100th cap against Saudi Arabia on 7 September 2012, making him the sixth highest capped player for Spain, and started the game as captain in Iker Casillas' absence.[156] He became the first person in history to score four goals in one game in a FIFA Confederations Cup match during a 10–0 win over Tahiti on 20 June 2013 in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.[157] Torres also became the first player to score two hat-tricks in the FIFA Confederations Cup.[158]

Style of play

He has been described as having "an eye for the spectacular and is capable of world-class skill" and being a "technically proficient, highly successful striker".[159] His speed and positioning have been widely acknowledged to be the main part of his game, and he has relied on his pace to score most of his goals. But he has lost much of his quickness and thus goal scoring ability in recent times owing to a string of knee and hamstring injuries.[160][161]

Personal life

Torres' Tolkien tattoo can be seen on his left arm

Torres' parents are José Torres and Flori Sanz, and he has two older siblings, Israel (born 1977) and María Paz (born 1976).[162] He married Olalla Domínguez Liste, with whom he had been in a relationship since 2001, on 27 May 2009 in a private ceremony with just two guests at the local town hall in El Escorial, Madrid.[163][164] They had been an item for eight years and are thought to have met in the Galician seaside town of Estorde, Cee, where Torres would go on family holidays each year to escape the Spanish capital.[165] The couple have two children, a daughter, Nora, born on 8 July 2009 at the Hospital La Rosaleda, in Santiago de Compostela,[166] and a son, Leo, born on 6 December 2010 at Liverpool Women's Hospital, with Torres missing the fixture against Aston Villa at Anfield.[167]

In 2009, it was reported that Torres had amassed a personal fortune of £14 million.[168] He features in the video for "Ya nada volverá a ser como antes" by Spanish pop rock group El Canto del Loco,[169] whose singer, Dani Martín, shares a strong friendship with the footballer.[170] He makes a cameo appearance in the 2005 comedy film Torrente 3: El protector.[171] In 2009, he released an autobiography entitled Torres: El Niño: My Story.[172] Torres is a keen admirer of the works of J. R. R. Tolkien and has a tattoo reading "Fernando" in Tengwar on his left forearm.[173]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 19 January 2014.
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Atlético Madrid 2000–01[174][175] Segunda División 4120———61
2001–02[176][177] Segunda División 36611———377
2002–03[178][179] La Liga 291321———3114
2003–04[180][181] La Liga 351952———4021
2004–05[182][183][184] La Liga 381662—5[lower-alpha 1]2—4920
2005–06[185][186] La Liga 361340———4013
2006–07[187][188] La Liga 361441———4015
Total 21482247—52—24391
Liverpool 2007–08[32] Premier League 3324101311[lower-alpha 2]6—4633
2008–09[189] Premier League 241431209[lower-alpha 2]2—3817
2009–10[81] Premier League 221820008[lower-alpha 3]4—3222
2010–11[96] Premier League 23910002[lower-alpha 4]0—269
Total 1026571333012—14281
Chelsea 2010–11[96] Premier League 14100004[lower-alpha 2]000181
2011–12[104] Premier League 326621010[lower-alpha 2]3—4911
2012–13[111][120] Premier League 368514216[lower-alpha 5]93[lower-alpha 6]26422
2013–14[190] Premier League 17410114[lower-alpha 7]300238
Total 99191236334153215442
Career total 415166431196692932539214
  1. ↑ Appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  3. ↑ Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, four appearances and four goals in UEFA Europa League
  4. ↑ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ↑ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, six appearances and three goals in UEFA Champions League, nine appearances and six goals in UEFA Europa League
  6. ↑ One appearance and one goal in FA Community Shield, two appearances and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup
  7. ↑ One appearance and one goal in UEFA Super Cup, three appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League

International

As of match played 23 June 2013.[191][192][193][194][195][196]
National team Year Friendly Competitive Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Spain 2003 102030
2004 6150111
2005 3197128
2006 6174135
2007 204161
2008 6172133
2009 32103135
2010 3182113
2011 712091
2012 4163104
2013 104555
Career total 429642710636

International goals

As of match played 23 June 2013.[191][192][193][194][195][196]

Honours

Club

Atlético Madrid

Chelsea

International

Spain U-16

  • UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship: 2001[197]

Spain U-19

  • UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship: 2002[197]

Spain

Individual

Decorations

References

General

  • HISTORIA DEL FÚTBOL ESPAÑOL, SELECCIONES ESPAÑOLAS (in Spanish). ISBN 978-84-8229-123-9. 

Specific

  1. ↑ "Premier League Clubs submit Squad Lists" (PDF). Premier League. Retrieved 2 February 2012. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Infancia" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  3. ↑ "Fernando Torres". Chelsea F.C. Retrieved 12 April 2013. 
  4. ↑ White, Jim (23 November 2009). "Fernando Torres: exclusive interview with Liverpool and Spain's 'El Nino'". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 21 January 2011. 
  5. ↑ Samuel, Martin (19 January 2009). "Fernando Torres talks to Martin Samuel: Liverpool's Spain superstar on Kaka, feeling at home and the battle to stop Manchester United's title chase". Daily Mail (London). Retrieved 8 February 2009. 
  6. ↑ "Torres asegura que habría sido "un gran portero"". Marca (in Spanish) (Madrid). 17 April 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  7. ↑ "Japanese comic superhero drawn to Tokyo Olympic bid". The Free Library (taken from Agence France-Presse). 11 August 2009. Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 "Atlético de Madrid" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Lowe, Sid (4 July 2007). "Will Torres be Kop's new God or just another Fernando?". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 "Primer equipo" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.9 11.10 11.11 11.12 "Torres". FootballDatabase. Archived from the original on 15 February 2009. Retrieved 8 June 2008. 
  12. ↑ "Chelsea sign Bridge". The Daily Telegraph (London). 21 July 2003. Retrieved 30 January 2013. 
  13. ↑ "Spanish La Liga Stats: Top Goal Scorers – 2003–04". ESPN FC. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "UEFA Intertoto Cup 2004". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 9 June 2008. 
  15. ↑ "Atletico warn Chelsea off Torres". BBC Sport. 28 June 2005. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  16. ↑ "Atletico prepared to sell Torres". BBC Sport. 24 January 2006. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  17. ↑ "Newcastle want me, claims Torres". BBC Sport. 16 March 2006. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  18. ↑ Adams, Tom (6 February 2007). "'Flattered' Villa to stay with Che". Sky Sports. Retrieved 11 May 2008. 
  19. ↑ Prentice, David (20 June 2007). "Torres is Reds' number one target". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 30 June 2007. 
  20. ↑ "No Reds offer for Torres". The Daily Star (Dhaka). 27 June 2007. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  21. ↑ Kay, Oliver (28 June 2007). "Garcia the key as Liverpool step up pursuit of Torres". The Times (London). Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Liverpool complete Torres signing". BBC Sport. 4 July 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  23. ↑ Carrick, Charles (30 June 2007). "Torres' £27m Liverpool deal". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Liverpool wrap up record Torres transfer". The Guardian (London). 4 July 2007. Retrieved 8 June 2008. 
  25. ↑ Balague, Guillem (31 March 2008). "Rafael Benitez opens up on transfers, treachery, Torres, titles – and, of course, tinkering". The Times (London). Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  26. ↑ Sinnott, John (11 August 2007). "Aston Villa 1–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  27. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (15 August 2007). "Toulouse 0–1 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  28. ↑ Chowdhury, Saj (19 August 2007). "Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  29. ↑ McKenzie, Andrew (25 September 2007). "Reading 2–4 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  30. ↑ Sinnott, John (28 November 2011). "Liverpool 4–1 FC Porto". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  31. ↑ "Moyes & Torres win monthly awards". BBC Sport. 7 March 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 "Games played by Fernando Torres in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  33. ↑ Barrett, Tony (6 March 2008). "Fernando Torres: My pride at Anfield hat-trick record". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 8 June 2008. 
  34. ↑ May, John (15 March 2008). "Liverpool 2–1 Reading". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  35. ↑ McKenzie, Andrew (8 April 2008). "Liverpool 4–2 Arsenal (agg 5–3)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  36. ↑ "Goalscorers for the 2001–2002 season". LFChistory.net. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  37. ↑ "Ronaldo tops PFA nominations list". BBC Sport. 11 April 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Ronaldo named player of the year". BBC Sport. 27 April 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
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  40. ↑ Doyle, Ian (23 August 2008). "Roger Hunt tips record-breaker Fernando Torres to be on cloud nine". Liverpool Banter. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  41. ↑ Caroe, Charlie (6 May 2008). "Jose Reina: Fernando Torres will improve". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  42. ↑ "Barclays Premier League Stats: Top Goal Scorers – 2007–08". ESPN FC. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
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  44. ↑ "Torres pledges long-term future to Reds". ESPN FC. 31 May 2008. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  45. ↑ "Hicks laughs off Torres sale talk". BBC Sport. 17 June 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2011. 
  46. ↑ Stevenson, Jonathan (16 August 2008). "Sunderland 0–1 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  47. ↑ Eaton, Paul (1 September 2008). "Reds confirm Torres injury". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  48. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (16 September 2008). "Marseille 1–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  49. ↑ McNulty, Phil (27 September 2008). "Everton 0–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  50. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (5 October 2008). "Man City 2–3 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  51. ↑ Custis, Neil (5 October 2008). "Man City 2 Liverpool 3". The Sun (London). Retrieved 20 June 2012. 
  52. ↑ "Torres ruled out for '10–15 days'". BBC Sport. 16 October 2008. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  53. ↑ McNulty, Phil (22 October 2008). "Atletico Madrid 1–1 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  54. ↑ Ogden, Mark (21 October 2008). "Fernando Torres puts Chelsea-Liverpool clash ahead of Atletico Madrid return". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 21 January 2011. 
  55. ↑ "Ronaldo voted FIFPro World Player of the Year". UEFA. 27 October 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  56. ↑ Hughes, Ian (8 November 2008). "Liverpool 3–0 West Brom". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  57. ↑ "Torres open to Atletico return". Sky Sports. 9 November 2008. Retrieved 10 November 2008. 
  58. ↑ "Striker Torres faces new lay-off". BBC Sport. 27 November 2008. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  59. ↑ "Liverpool hit by Torres setback". BBC Sport. 4 December 2008. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  60. ↑ "Ronaldo, Torres up for Fifa award". BBC Sport. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  61. ↑ "Ronaldo collects Fifa world title". BBC Sport. 12 January 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2009. 
  62. ↑ Ashenden, Mark (3 January 2009). "Preston 0–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  63. ↑ McNulty, Phil (1 February 2009). "Liverpool 2–0 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 February 2009. 
  64. ↑ Evans, Tony (13 February 2009). "The 50 greatest Liverpool players". The Times (London). Retrieved 22 February 2009. 
  65. ↑ Brown, David (11 March 2009). "Fernando Torres used powers of persuasion to play against Real Madrid". The Times (London). Retrieved 13 April 2009. 
  66. ↑ McNulty, Phil (10 March 2009). "Liverpool 4–0 Real Madrid (agg 5–0)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  67. ↑ McNulty, Phil (14 March 2009). "Man Utd 1–4 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  68. ↑ "Giggs earns prestigious PFA award". BBC Sport. 26 April 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  69. ↑ Brett, Oliver (24 May 2009). "Liverpool 3–1 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 May 2009. 
  70. ↑ "Torres agrees new Liverpool deal". BBC Sport. 28 May 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  71. ↑ "Torres signs new Liverpool deal". BBC Sport. 14 August 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  72. ↑ "Torres signs contract extension with Liverpool". ESPN FC. 14 August 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  73. ↑ Ashenden, Mark (19 September 2009). "West Ham 2 – 3 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  74. ↑ Hunter, Andy (28 September 2009). "Priceless Fernando Torres slays Hull with a hat-trick show fit for a prince". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 28 September 2009. 
  75. ↑ "Torres and Ferguson scoop awards". BBC Sport. 2 October 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  76. ↑ McNulty, Phil (25 October 2009). "Liverpool 2 – 0 Man Utd". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  77. ↑ "Benitez hails quality of Torres". BBC Sport. 26 October 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  78. ↑ Leach, Jimmy (22 December 2009). "FIFA/FIFPRO World XI announced". The Independent (London). Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  79. ↑ Ornstein, David (29 December 2009). "Aston Villa 0 – 1 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  80. ↑ "Rafa Benitez defends his decision to take off Torres". BBC Sport. 4 April 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 81.2 "Games played by Fernando Torres in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  82. ↑ 82.0 82.1 "Liverpool's Fernando Torres out for rest of season". BBC Sport. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  83. ↑ "Gerrard and Torres staying at Liverpool – Hodgson". BBC Sport. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  84. ↑ "Hodgson expects Fernando Torres to stay at Liverpool". BBC Sport. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  85. ↑ "Striker Fernando Torres committed to Liverpool". BBC Sport. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  86. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (15 August 2010). "Liverpool 1 – 1 Arsenal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  87. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (29 August 2010). "Liverpool 1 – 0 West Brom". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  88. ↑ "Torres landmark nets WBA win". Liverpool F.C. 29 August 2010. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  89. ↑ Magowan, Alistair (24 October 2010). "Liverpool 2 – 1 Blackburn". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  90. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (22 January 2011). "Wolverhampton 0 – 3 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 September 2011. 
  91. ↑ Smith, Rory (27 January 2011). "Chelsea's £40 million bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is an act of desperation". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 6 February 2011. 
  92. ↑ Mondal, Subhankar (29 January 2011). "Quotes of the Week: 'Fernando Torres Tonight Submitted A Transfer Request', Wolfsburg Offer Volkswagens For Schulz And Adriano Galliani Is The New Moggi & More". Goal.com. Retrieved 6 February 2011. 
  93. ↑ "Torres makes record move from Liverpool to Chelsea". BBC Sport. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
  94. ↑ McNulty, Phil (6 February 2011). "Chelsea 0 – 1 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  95. ↑ McNulty, Phil (23 April 2011). "Chelsea 3 – 0 West Ham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2011. 
  96. ↑ 96.0 96.1 96.2 "Games played by Fernando Torres in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  97. ↑ Magowan, Alistair (14 August 2011). "Stoke 0–0 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  98. ↑ McNulty, Phil (18 September 2011). "Man Utd 3 – 1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  99. ↑ Williams, Aled (24 September 2011). "Chelsea 4 – 1 Swansea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 September 2011. 
  100. ↑ Lemesre, Pascal (24 September 2011). "Fernando Torres handed red card after scoring". Sportsmole. Retrieved 24 September 2011. 
  101. ↑ "Fernando Torres: Chelsea start has been 'very, very difficult'". The Guardian (London). 26 September 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2013. 
  102. ↑ Shemilt, Stephan (19 October 2011). "Chelsea 5–0 Genk". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  103. ↑ Chase, Graham (18 March 2012). "Chelsea 5–2 Leicester". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  104. ↑ 104.0 104.1 104.2 "Games played by Fernando Torres in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  105. ↑ Dawkes, Phil (24 April 2012). "Barcelona 2–2 Chelsea (agg 2–3)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2012. 
  106. ↑ Higginson, Marc (29 April 2012). "Chelsea 6–1 QPR". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 April 2012. 
  107. ↑ McNulty, Phil (19 May 2012). "Bayern Munich 1–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 August 2012. 
  108. ↑ Smith, Ben (12 August 2012). "Chelsea 2–3 Man City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 August 2012. 
  109. ↑ Scrivener, Peter (19 August 2012). "Wigan 0–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 August 2012. 
  110. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (22 August 2012). "Chelsea 4–2 Reading". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 August 2012. 
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  112. ↑ "English Premier League 2012–2013 : Table". Statto. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  113. ↑ McNulty, Phil (28 October 2012). "Chelsea 2–3 Man Utd". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 November 2012. 
  114. ↑ "Chelsea 3–2 Shakhtar Donetsk". ESPN FC. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2012. 
  115. ↑ Field, Dominic (21 November 2012). "Rafael Benítez appointed Chelsea interim manager until end of season". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 15 March 2013. 
  116. ↑ Croydon, Emily (22 November 2012). "Can Rafael Benitez bring back the old Fernando Torres at Chelsea?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 March 2013. 
  117. ↑ Palmer, Kevin (7 December 2012). "Torres: I need more time to perform". ESPN FC. Retrieved 15 May 2013. 
  118. ↑ "Fernando Torres nets brace as Chelsea see off Sunderland in Premier League". Sky Sports. 8 December 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2012. 
  119. ↑ 119.0 119.1 Barlow, Matt (5 April 2013). "Fernando Torres exclusive: Stick with me – Chelsea striker vows he'll never give up the fight to regain top form". Daily Mail (London). Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  120. ↑ 120.0 120.1 "Goal total clarification". Chelsea F.C. Retrieved 25 May 2013. 
  121. ↑ "Chelsea 2–0 Hull City". The Guardian. 18 August 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013. 
  122. ↑ "Bayern defeat Chelsea on penalties in Super Cup". UEFA. 30 August 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013. 
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  124. ↑ "Schalke fall to clinical Chelsea". UEFA. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013. 
  125. ↑ "Champions League 2013/14: Fernando Torres hits brace in Chelsea victory over Schalke". Sydney Morning Herald. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013. 
  126. ↑ "Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1: match report". The Telegraph. 27 October 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2013. 
  127. ↑ "MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 2 CRYSTAL PALACE 1". Chelsea FC. 14 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013. 
  128. ↑ "9. Fernando Torres". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 8 June 2008. 
  129. ↑ Smith, Andrew (6 June 2010). "Andrew Smith: David Villa lacks the ego of his contemporaries". The Scotsman (Edinburgh). Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  130. ↑ "Fernando Torres". FIFA. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  131. ↑ "Spain 4–0 Ukraine". BBC Sport. 14 June 2006. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  132. ↑ "Spain – Tunisia". FIFA. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  133. ↑ "Top goals". FIFA. Retrieved 11 June 2008. 
  134. ↑ "Raul left out of Spain Euro squad". BBC Sport. 17 May 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  135. ↑ Ronay, Barney (10 June 2008). "Quicksilver Villa lights up the Alps". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  136. ↑ 136.0 136.1 Taylor, Daniel (14 June 2008). "Torres plays up respect for Aragones". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 5 April 2010. 
  137. ↑ Bevan, Chris (14 June 2008). "Sweden 1–2 Spain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  138. ↑ McNulty, Phil (29 June 2008). "Germany 0–1 Spain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  139. ↑ Rogers, Martin (29 June 2008). "Euro 2008: Man of the match, June 29". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  140. ↑ "Spain view". BBC Sport. 30 June 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  141. ↑ "Team of the Tournament" (PDF). UEFA. 30 June 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  142. ↑ "España vence a una digna Turquía en el partido 60 de Torres con la Selección absoluta (1–0)" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. 28 March 2009. Retrieved 31 March 2009. 
  143. ↑ "Spain unveils Confederations Cup roster". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 June 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2009. 
  144. ↑ Scrivener, Peter (14 June 2009). "Spain 5–0 New Zealand". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  145. ↑ Mollina, R.; Campos, T. (14 June 2009). "Torres logra el 'hat trick' más rápido de la historia de la selección". Marca (in Spanish) (Madrid). Retrieved 14 June 2009. 
  146. ↑ Chowdhury, Saj (25 June 2009). "Spain 0–2 United States". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  147. ↑ "Spain 3–2 South Africa (aet)". BBC Sport. 28 June 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  148. ↑ 148.0 148.1 "Spain omit Marcos Senna from 2010 World Cup squad". BBC Sport. 20 May 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  149. ↑ Sheringham, Sam (16 June 2010). "Spain 0–1 Switzerland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  150. ↑ "Del Bosque backs Torres". Sky Sports. 27 June 2010. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2010. 
  151. ↑ Fletcher, Paul (11 July 2010). "Netherlands 0–1 Spain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  152. ↑ "Euro 2012: Spain name Fernando Torres in 23-man squad". BBC Sport. 27 May 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  153. ↑ Chase, Graham (14 June 2012). "Spain 4–0 R. of Ireland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 June 2012. 
  154. ↑ McNulty, Phil (1 July 2012). "Spain 4–0 Italy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 July 2012. 
  155. ↑ "Euro 2012: Spain striker Fernando Torres wins Golden Boot award". BBC Sport. 2 July 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012. 
  156. ↑ "Spain make light work of Saudi Arabia". FIFA. 7 September 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  157. ↑ "Spain 10 – 0 Tahiti". Yahoo! UK & Ireland Eurosport. 20 June 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2013. 
  158. ↑ Rodgers, Zach (21 June 2013). "Spain tallies 10 in historic win; Forlán secures Uruguay victory". ESPN FC. Retrieved 20 August 2013. 
  159. ↑ "Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  160. ↑ "Can Fernando Torres become Europe's best once again under Mourinho?". Soccerlens. 3 August 2013. 
  161. ↑ Lawton, Matt (19 February 2011). "Carlo Ancelotti: Chelsea will repair Fernando Torres and restore his killer speed". Daily Mail. 
  162. ↑ "Fernando Torres Sanz". NNDB. Retrieved 11 July 2010. 
  163. ↑ "Football is a funny ol game". The Sun (London). 15 April 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2009. 
  164. ↑ Galaz, Mábel (28 May 2009). "Se casa Fernando Torres". El País (in Spanish) (Madrid). Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  165. ↑ "Fernando Torres welcomes baby 'Leo' after dodging Liverpool match at wife Olalla's bedside". Daily Mail (London). 7 December 2010. Retrieved 19 December 2010. 
  166. ↑ "Liverpool star Fernando Torres becomes a dad". Daily Mirror (London). 10 July 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2011. 
  167. ↑ "Liverpool 3–0 Aston Villa". Liverpool F.C. 6 December 2010. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  168. ↑ "Balls to the Crunch". FourFourTwo: 50. February 2009. 
  169. ↑ "Fernando Torres (V)". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  170. ↑ "Dani Martín" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. 30 September 2005. Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  171. ↑ "Full cast and crew for Torrente 3: El protector". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 20 June 2010. 
  172. ↑ Wilson, Simon (2 October 2009). "El Nino: My Story". ESPN FC. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
  173. ↑ "Famous Tolkien and Lord of the Ring fans". Tolkien Library. Retrieved 4 July 2013. 
  174. ↑ "Temporada 2000/01 – Liga 2ª División (primer equipo)" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  175. ↑ "Temporada 2000/01 – Copa Del Rey" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  176. ↑ "Temporada 2001/02 – Liga 2ªDivisión" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  177. ↑ "Temporada 2001/02 – Copa del Rey" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  178. ↑ "Temporada 2002/03 – Liga 1ª División" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  179. ↑ "Temporada 2002/03 – Copa del Rey" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  180. ↑ "Temporada 2003/04 – Liga 1ª División" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  181. ↑ "Temporada 2003/04 – Copa del Rey" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  182. ↑ "Temporada 2004/05 – Liga 1ª División" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  183. ↑ "Temporada 2004/05 – Copa del Rey" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  184. ↑ "Temporada 2004/05 – Intertoto" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  185. ↑ "Temporada 2005/06 – Liga 1ª División" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  186. ↑ "Temporada 2005/06 – Copa del Rey" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  187. ↑ "Temporada 2006/07 – Liga 1ª División" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  188. ↑ "Temporada 2006/07 – Copa del Rey" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  189. ↑ "Games played by Fernando Torres in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  190. ↑ "Games played by Fernando Torres in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Retrieved 19 August 2013. 
  191. ↑ 191.0 191.1 "Temporada 2002/04 – Selección Española" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  192. ↑ 192.0 192.1 "Temporada 2004/06 – Selección Española" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  193. ↑ 193.0 193.1 "Temporada 2006/08 – Selección Española" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  194. ↑ 194.0 194.1 "Temporada 2008/10 – Selección española" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  195. ↑ 195.0 195.1 "Temporada 2010/12 – Selección española" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 6 February 2011. 
  196. ↑ 196.0 196.1 "Temporada 2012/14 – Selección española" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 9 September 2012. 
  197. ↑ 197.0 197.1 197.2 197.3 197.4 197.5 197.6 197.7 197.8 197.9 197.10 197.11 197.12 "Palmarés" (in Spanish). Fernando Torres. Retrieved 17 November 2008. 
  198. ↑ "Goal of the month, April 2009". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 October 2012. 
  199. ↑ "2009 Confederations Cup team of the tournament". FIFA. Retrieved 17 October 2012. 
  200. ↑ "Users pick Top 11". FIFA.com. Retrieved 4 July 2013. 
  201. ↑ Bruña, Manel (10 May 2011). "Las campeones del mundo de fútbol ya tienen la Real Orden del Mérito Deportivo". El Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish) (Barcelona). Retrieved 5 March 2013. 

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Sporting positions
Preceded by
Carlos Aguilera		 Atlético Madrid captain
2003–2007 		Succeeded by
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