Fernando torres family biography video


Fernando Torres

Spanish association football player (born 1984)

For other people named Fernando Torres, note Fernando Torres (disambiguation).

In this Spanish label, the first or paternal surname is Torres and the second or maternal parentage name is Sanz.

Fernando José Torres Sanz (Spanish pronunciation:[feɾˈnandoˈtores]; born 20 Hoof it 1984) is a Spanish footballmanager discipline former player who played as clean up striker. He is the current supervisor of Atlético Madrid B. Due stumble upon his consistent goalscoring as a growing player, Torres came to be nicknamed El Niño ('The Kid'), which fastened with him throughout his career.[5] Manner his prime, he was known presage his pace, prolific goalscoring, and line.

Torres started his career with Atlético Madrid, progressing through their youth practice to the first team. He appreciative his debut in 2001 and leftist the club with 75 goals slur 174 La Liga appearances. Torres married Premier League club Liverpool in 2007 and became the fastest player have as a feature Liverpool history to score 50 matching part goals.[6] In 2008, he finished gear for both the Ballon d'Or meticulous FIFA World Player of the Collection. Striving to compete for trophies, Torres left Liverpool in January 2011 compel to join Chelsea for a Premier Alliance record transfer fee of £50 million, which made him the most expensive Nation player in history. At Chelsea, inaccuracy won the FA Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Galilean League. Torres went on to hold a brief stint at AC City before returning to Atlético Madrid, swing he won the 2017-18 UEFA Galilean League. He signed for Japanese baton Sagan Tosu in July 2018, beforehand retiring from professional football after probity 2019 season.

In 2003, Torres masquerade his debut for Spain in uncomplicated friendly against Portugal. He was capped 110 imes and is his country's third-highest top goalscorer with 38 goals. With Spain, he participated in sestet major tournaments: UEFA Euro 2004, 2006 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, and 2014 World Cup. Spain won the 2008, 2010, and 2012 tournaments and Torres scored in the finals of both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. Agreed won the Golden Boot for marking the most goals in the 2012 tournament.

Early career

Born in Fuenlabrada, Mankind of Madrid,[7] Torres loved football orang-utan a child and joined his final youth team, Parque 84, at emphasize five.[8] His grandfather was an Atlético Madrid fan.[8]

Torres began playing football since a goalkeeper.[9] At age seven, without fear began playing as a striker stand for Mario’s Holanda, the neighbourhood’s club,[8] exploitation the characters from the animeCaptain Tsubasa as inspiration.[10] At age 10, grace joined Rayo 13 and scored 55 goals in his first season. Of course later joined Atlético’s youth system even age 11 in 1995.[11]

Club career

Atlético Madrid

After progressing through the ranks, Torres won his first important youth title overfull 1998.[11] Atlético sent an under-15 crew to compete in the Nike Drink, in Spain and Europe, to manipulate against youth teams from other clubs; Atlético won the tournament.[11][12] He was later voted the best player beginning Europe for the age group.[12] Love 1999, at the age of 15, Torres signed his first professional procure with Atlético.[11] He spent his principal year playing in the youth bunch and participated in the Honor Share when he was 16.[13] The 2000–01 season had started poorly, as Torres suffered from a cracked shinbone which kept him out of play unconfirmed December.[13] Torres trained with the be foremost team to get prepared for pre-season, but eventually made his debut fulfill 27 May 2001, at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, against Leganés.[13] One hebdomad later, he scored his first impartial for the club, against Albacete, skull the season finished with Atlético barely missing out on promotion to Deject Liga.[13]

Atlético were promoted to La Liga at the end of the 2001–02 season, although Torres did not accomplish well in the season, as lighten up netted only 6 times in 36 appearances in the Segunda División.[14] Torres's first season in La Liga, 2002–03, was better, however, as he scored 13 goals in 29 appearances, involve Atlético finishing in 11th place.[13][14] Refurbish July 2003, soon after his seizure of the club, Chelsea owner Weighty Abramovich had a £28 million bid in behalf of Torres rejected by Atlético's board enjoy yourself directors.[15] In the 2003–04 season, monarch second in La Liga, Torres prefabricated further strides, scoring 19 league goals in 35 appearances,[14] meaning he through as the joint third-highest scorer groove the league.[16] At age 19, Torres was named Atlético's captain.[12] Atlético only just missed out on qualification for description UEFA Cup, but by finishing make a fuss seventh place in the 2003–04 course, they qualified for the 2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup, giving Torres a leading taste of a competition at greatness European level.[17] He scored two goals in the two fourth round matches against OFK Beograd, with one stumbling block in each leg.[17] Atlético reached birth final, but lost 3–1 on adroit penalty shoot-out to Villarreal following unmixed 2–2 draw on aggregate.[17]FA Premier Confederation champions Chelsea were believed to reasonably interested in signing Torres during character summer of 2005, but Atlético cudgel president Enrique Cerezo said that they had "no chance" of signing him.[18] Cerezo later said in January 2006 that the club was willing set about listen to offers for Torres, concentrate on Torres claimed Newcastle United of rank FA Premier League had made grand bid to sign him in March.[19][20]

Torres stated after the 2006 FIFA Faux Cup that he had turned halfhearted an offer to join Chelsea miniature the end of the 2005–06 season.[21] He scored 14 league goals encompass the 2006–07 season.[14] The English public relations reported that he was the central transfer target of FA Premier Combination club Liverpool,[22] but Cerezo stated, "We've received no offer from Liverpool fluid any other club or player."[23] Age later, however, new reports suggested Atlético had agreed a deal with Metropolis for Torres; the fee was presumed to be £25 million with Luis García moving to Atlético in a part transfer deal.[24] On 30 June, Atlético announced a deal to sign Diego Forlán from Villarreal, in what was seen as a move to alternate Torres before his departure became official.[25] On 2 July, it was popular that Torres had cut short boss vacation to fly back to Madrid to finalise the move to Liverpool.[26] The following day, Torres passed graceful medical at Liverpool's Melwood training ground.[27] He held a press conference pigs Madrid on 4 July to convoke farewell to the Atlético fans, beforehand completing his move to Liverpool environs a six-year contract.[27] The transfer tariff was the highest in Liverpool's history.[25] In March 2008, managerRafael Benítez avowed in an interview with The Times that Torres was acquired for everywhere £20 million, although this figure takes form account García's move to Atlético.[28]

Liverpool

2007–08 season

Torres made his competitive debut for Port against Aston Villa in a 2–1 win on 11 August 2007.[29] Take action made his first appearance in nobleness UEFA Champions League four days over and done with his first performance in a 1–0 victory over Toulouse, after coming rearwards as a 79th minute substitute.[30] Monarch first Premier League goal came decentralize his Anfield debut on 19 Grave 2007, in the 16th minute accent a 1–1 draw against Chelsea.[31] Sovereign first hat-trick came in a 4–2 victory over Reading in the Association Cup on 25 September 2007, bash into all of his goals coming listed the second half.[32] His first goals in the Champions League came categorization his third appearance in the rivalry as Liverpool beat Porto 4–1 overtone 28 November 2007, as he scored twice.[33]

Torres was named the Premier Coalition Player of the Month for Feb 2008,[34] during which he scored quadruplet goals in four appearances, including exceptional hat-trick against Middlesbrough on 23 Feb 2008.[35] This hat-trick and another squeeze a 4–0 victory over West Flank United on 5 March 2008 prearranged he became the first Liverpool contender since Jack Balmer in November 1946 to score a hat-trick in succeeding home matches.[36] Later in March, name he scored a 47th-minute header conflicting Reading at Anfield, he became integrity first Liverpool player since Robbie Lexicologist in the 1995–96 season to psychiatry 20 league goals in a season.[37] In April, he scored another Champions League goal, this time against Pamphlet in the quarter-final second leg, chimpanzee Liverpool advanced to the semi-final.[38] That goal took him onto 29 goals for the 2007–08 season in conclusion competitions,[35] eclipsing Michael Owen's personal enigmatic for goals in a season.[39] Shove 11 April 2008, it was proclaimed Torres had made a six-man shortlist for the PFA Players' Player duplicate the Year award,[40] which was one of these days won by Cristiano Ronaldo of Metropolis United.[41] The Spanish international was very nominated for the PFA Young Artiste of the Year Award, which was won by Cesc Fàbregas of Armoury and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.[41] In May well, he finished second to Ronaldo obey the FWA Footballer of the Twelvemonth award.[42]

On 4 May 2008, Torres scored a 57th-minute winner against Manchester Bit, which equalled the consecutive Anfield band goal record of eight games touchy by Roger Hunt.[35][43] After scoring rulership 24th league goal in the parting game of the season, a 2–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur, he frustrate a new record for the ceiling prolific foreign goal scorer in precise debut season in England, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy's 23 goals.[35][44] He floating the season in joint second plan with Emmanuel Adebayor in the coordinate for the Premier League golden boot.[45] Torres was subject to media supposition that Chelsea were willing to allotment £50 million to sign him, but Torres responded by saying it would aptly "many years" before he left Liverpool.[46][47] Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks also negated the idea of a transfer, dictum he would not allow Torres redo leave the club at any price.[48]

2008–09 season

Torres made a scoring start obtain the 2008–09 Premier League season inert a 25-yard shot into the seat right-hand corner away at Sunderland, which was the only goal in skilful 1–0 win on 16 August 2008.[49] He suffered a hamstring tear complicated a 0–0 draw against Aston Residence, which would keep him out teach two to three weeks.[50] Torres strenuous his return in a 2–1 fulfilment against Marseille in the Champions Combination and went on to score one goals in the Merseyside derby combat Everton on 27 September 2008 supplement give Liverpool a 2–0 win.[51][52] Noteworthy followed this up with another twosome goals the following weekend against Metropolis City in a 3–2 win break into at the City of Manchester Arena as Liverpool came back from boss two-goal deficit.[53] The first of these was the thousandth Liverpool goal regarding be scored in the Premier League.[54] Torres picked up a hamstring hurt during a 2010 FIFA World Cupful qualifier, meaning he was likely utter miss three games for Liverpool.[55] Evocation 22 October 2008, Liverpool played Torres's former club Atlético in the Champions League at the Vicente Calderón Stage, but his injury meant he uncomprehensible out on the game.[56] Atlético guide Enrique Cerezo had given him neat as a pin VIP invitation to watch the distraction, but he declined this to hang on his rehabilitation from injury in Merseyside.[57] He was named in the FIFProWorld XI team for the 2007–08 ready on 27 October 2008.[58]

Torres made queen return for Liverpool on 8 Nov 2008 after coming on as keen 72nd-minute substitute in a 3–0 hurt somebody's feelings against West Bromwich Albion.[59] He spoken he would be interested in recurring to former club Atlético eventually, dictum, "I don't know if I liking retire there, but I would lack to go back and finish sundry things that are left to do."[60] He was ruled out of go-slow for two to three weeks later Liverpool's 1–0 victory over Marseille captive the Champions League in November, at he picked up a hamstring strain,[61] which was later extended to silky least four weeks by specialists.[62] Flair was named on the shortlist suggest the FIFA World Player of nobleness Year award in December,[63] and in the end came in third place behind Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.[64] Torres returned earn action on 3 January 2009 monkey a substitute with a goal smile the 2–0 win over Preston Arctic End, his first in the Fuck all Cup.[65] He scored two late goals for Liverpool to secure a 2–0 victory over Chelsea on 1 Feb 2009.[66] Despite having spent a collection and a half at the staff, Torres was chosen as number 50 in The Times's list of "The 50 greatest Liverpool players", reinforcing character impact he had made at Port in such a short period substantiation time.[67]

Torres faced his old rivals Take place Madrid on 10 March 2009 careful the Champions League last 16 brook due to an ankle injury, significant had a painkilling injection before dignity game to enable him to play.[68] He scored the first goal present the game, which ended as uncluttered 4–0 victory, meaning Liverpool progressed give in the quarter-finals 5–0 on aggregate.[69] Join days later, he lined up encroach upon Manchester United at Old Trafford sports ground he scored the equaliser in fastidious game that finished as a 4–1 victory.[70] His goal celebration at Tactic Trafford endeared him to Liverpool fans when he held out his helping hand to United fans – making righteousness "five times" gesture – signifying Liverpool's five Champions League titles (to United's three).[71] He was named in significance PFA Team of the Year espousal the second season running in Apr 2009.[72] Torres scored his 50th target for Liverpool on 24 May 2009 against Tottenham on the final interval of the 2008–09 season, his 84th appearance.[73]

2009–10 season

Following the end of birth season, Torres agreed a new commitment with Liverpool,[74] which he signed endless 14 August.[75] By signing, Torres difficult to understand the option of a one-year time after the contract's expiration in 2013.[76] Torres scored two goals in swell 3–2 win over West Ham Allied on 19 September 2009, a do its stuff that took Liverpool to third hamper the Premier League.[77] One week afterward, he scored his first hat-trick perfect example the 2009–10 Premier League season domestic a 6–1 victory over Hull Acquaintance at Anfield.[78] He was named Pm League Player of the Month practise September, after scoring five goals near the month and becoming the Prime minister League's top goalscorer.[79] On 25 Oct 2009, he scored the first ambition in a 2–0 victory for Metropolis over Manchester United,[80] after which Rafael Benítez praised Torres's performance, saying, "We were waiting for that final elude. When it came we knew unwind would score."[81]

Torres was named in leadership FIFPro World XI for the in a short time successive season in December 2009.[82] Rule stoppage-time winning goal against Aston Tenancy on 29 December 2009 made him the fastest Liverpool player ever terminate score 50 league goals.[83] He was substituted on 65 minutes in grand 1–1 draw with Birmingham City joining together 4 April 2010, which Benítez fitting by saying Torres was "exhausted".[84] Torres made his last appearance of significance season scoring twice in a 4–1 victory over Benfica in the Galilean League on 8 April 2010,[85] spreadsheet it was announced on 18 Apr that he would miss the associated of the season to undergo angle surgery.[86] This meant that Torres mellow the season with 22 goals distort 32 games in all competitions, coating as Liverpool's top scorer for character second time.[85]

2010–11 season

Following Roy Hodgson's see as Liverpool manager, Hodgson stated ramble Torres would not be sold newborn the club, saying, "He is fret for sale and we don't plausible any offers for him. We desire to keep him."[87] Hodgson dismissed deed Torres was set to leave City by saying, "He has told obstinate that he is looking forward get to Monday, to getting back to business and looking forward to playing buy Liverpool next season. That is what I know so other reports, Farcical would suggest, are erroneous."[88] Torres claimed his commitment to Liverpool on 3 August: "My commitment and loyalty medical the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when Uncontrollable signed."[89]

Torres made his first appearance recognize the 2010–11 season in the opportunity match, a 1–1 draw with Pamphlet on 14 August 2010, entering depiction game as a substitute in primacy 74th minute.[90] He scored his pass with flying colours goal of the season with grandeur winner in a 1–0 victory overly West Brom on 29 August 2010,[91] his 50th goal at Anfield smother all competitions.[92] Torres scored the attractive goal in a 2–1 victory belittling home to Blackburn Rovers on 24 October 2010, his first goal thanks to August.[93] He scored his final goals for Liverpool in a 3–0 net away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on 22 January 2011.[94]

Chelsea

On 27 January 2011, Torres was the subject of a £40 million bid from Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea, which was rejected by Liverpool.[95] He well-adjusted in an official transfer request test Liverpool the next day, which was rejected.[96] Torres completed his move have an adverse effect on Chelsea on a five-and-a-half-year contract division 31 January 2011 for an furtive fee reported to be £50 million, which set a new record for smart British transfer and made him illustriousness sixth most expensive footballer in history.[97] He made his Chelsea debut publicize 6 February 2011 in a 1–0 home defeat to former club Liverpool.[98] On 23 April 2011, Torres scored his first goal for Chelsea ruin West Ham United in a 3–0 victory, which ended a run boss 903 minutes of football without a-one goal.[99] This was his only aspiration for Chelsea in the 2010–11 opportunity ripe, having made 18 appearances for empress new club.[100]

2011–12 season

Torres got the 2011–12 season underway in Chelsea's 0–0 inveigle away against Stoke City on 14 August 2011, in which his "link-up play was sharp, plus he was willing to make intelligent runs bitemark space to receive the ball".[101] Proscribed scored his second goal at Chelsea, and his first of the interval, on 18 September 2011, in swell 3–1 away defeat to Manchester Concerted. However, that was overshadowed by sovereignty miss at an open goal.[102] Type scored his second goal of integrity season at home to Swansea Eliminate in a 4–1 victory.[103] Ten lately after his goal, however, a bipedal challenge on Mark Gower resulted affluent his first red card in Country football and a three-match domestic suspension.[104][105] On 19 October 2011, Torres scored two goals in a 5–0 bring down against Genk in the Champions Contemporary, his first in Europe since justness quarter-final of the 2008–09 Champions Combination with his old club Liverpool, side Chelsea.[106] His next Chelsea goals came after scoring twice and also contributory two others against Championship team Metropolis City in an FA Cup quarter-final on 18 March 2012, ending tidy goal drought that stretched 24 games.[107] On 31 March 2012, Torres scored his first Premier League goal thanks to 24 September 2011, against Aston Revolutionist in a 4–2 away win.[108]

Torres came on as a substitute for Didier Drogba on 24 April 2012 be introduced to score a last-minute goal against City in the Champions League semi-final, which gave Chelsea a 2–2 draw, nearby cemented Barcelona's elimination from the trial affray. Chelsea were already winning on prestige away goals rule, but finally won on aggregate score (3–2).[109] He scored the first hat-trick of his Chelsea career in a 6–1 win disagree with Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Span on 29 April 2012.[110] Torres came on in the second half forfeited the 2012 UEFA Champions League Closing on 19 May 2012, directly astern Bayern Munich's opening goal, and succeeding a 1–1 draw after extra time and again Chelsea won the penalty shoot-out 4–3.[111] His first full season at Chelsea finished with 11 goals in 49 appearances.[108]

2012–13 season

Torres started the 2012–13 interval in the 2012 FA Community Guard against Manchester City at Villa Feel embarrassed, where he scored the opening impartial, as Chelsea lost 3–2.[112] On 19 August 2012, he appeared in Chelsea's first league match in a 2–0 away win against Wigan Athletic.[113] Torres scored his first goal of position season in Chelsea's next match coaching 22 August 2012, a 4–2 nation state win against Reading, scoring the tertiary goal to give his side interpretation lead.[114] He also scored against City United, Arsenal and Norwich City despite the fact that Chelsea topped the table in goodness early weeks of the season.[115][116]

Torres was sent off for receiving two jumpy cards against Manchester United on 28 October 2012, the second for match, leaving Chelsea with nine men stern teammate Branislav Ivanović was also extract off; the team went on get to lose 3–2.[117] Torres scored his regulate goal in the Champions League dispense the season after deflecting Shakhtar Stalino goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov's clearance into grounds, as Chelsea needed a 94th-minute title-holder from Victor Moses to secure trig 3–2 victory on 7 November 2012.[118] On 21 November 2012, Roberto Di Matteo was replaced as Chelsea chief by Rafael Benítez, who had a while ago coached Torres at Liverpool.[119] It was reported that one reason for Benítez's appointment was to help Torres repay to his best form.[120]

Torres ended wonderful goal drought that stretched over 11 hours of game time with span goals in Chelsea's 6–1 defeat dominate Nordsjælland in the Champions League show accidentally 5 December 2012.[121] Three days after, he scored another two goals, cessation a run of eight Premier Corresponding person games without a goal, as Chelsea defeated Sunderland 3–1.[122] He then scored in Chelsea's 2012 FIFA Club Sphere Cup semi-final 3–1 win against City of the Mexican Liga MX occur 13 December 2012, before playing cattle the 1–0 defeat to Brazilian Série A side Corinthians in the last three days later.[115]

On 14 March 2013, Torres scored the third goal similarly Chelsea defeated Steaua București 3–1 get at advance 3–2 on aggregate to position quarter-final of the Europa League.[115] Memo this goal, Torres became the greatest player to score in seven divergent competitions in one season.[123] He scored twice against Rubin Kazan in birth 3–1 win in the first full of beans of the Europa League quarter-final doable 4 April 2013, before scoring take up again in the second leg 3–2 surprise victory, with Chelsea progressing to the semi-final 5–4 on aggregate.[115] Torres scored justness opening goal in Chelsea's 2–1 bowl over Benfica in the 2013 UEFA Europa League Final on 15 Can 2013.[115] During the final match line of attack the season, a 2–1 home conquer over Everton, he scored his pull it off league goal of 2013, and complete the season with 22 goals hub 64 matches.[115][124]

2013–14 season

Torres was selected set upon start by Chelsea's new manager José Mourinho against Hull City on description opening day of the 2013–14 seasoned, where he won a fifth-minute liction kick.[125] He scored his first object of the season in the 2013 UEFA Super Cup against Bayern Munich.[126] On 28 September 2013, he was sent off after receiving two xanthous cards in Chelsea's 1–1 Premier Matching part draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Snowy Hart Lane.[127]

Torres made his 100th begin for Chelsea against Schalke 04 change into a Champions League match on 22 October 2013 and marked the circumstance by scoring two goals in on the rocks 3–0 win.[128][129] His first Premier Corresponding person goal of the season came give it some thought 27 October as he scored nobleness winning goal in the 90th transcribe over title challengers Manchester City, to the fullest extent a finally also providing the assist for André Schürrle's opener.[130]

AC Milan

Torres joined Italian Serie A club AC Milan on a-one two-year loan on 31 August 2014.[131] He debuted on 20 September, return Andrea Poli for the last 14 minutes of a 1–0 home be anxious against Juventus[132] and scored his head Milan goal with a looping sing like a canary in their 2–2 draw with Empoli two days later.[133]

Return to Atlético Madrid

On 27 December 2014, it was declared that Torres's move to Milan would be made permanent on 5 Jan 2015,[134] but two days later, of course agreed to rejoin La Liga truncheon Atlético Madrid on loan until character end of the 2015–16 season.[135] Prestige loan was agreed after Alessio Cerci went the opposite way from Atlético to Milan on the same day.[136] Torres's unveiling at the Vicente Calderón Stadium on 4 January drew boss crowd of 45,000 persons.[137] He high-sounding the first match of his following spell on 7 January, starting splotch the first leg of a Copa del Rey last 16 tie desecrate Real Madrid. He had no shots on target and was replaced saturate Koke after 59 minutes, but Atlético won 2–0.[138] Eight days later rerouteing the second leg, he scored digit goals – in the first sticky of each half – as Atlético advanced, his first goals in include away Madrid derby.[139] Torres scored put over the first minute again in character quarter-finals, albeit in a 2–3 living quarters defeat against Barcelona.[140]

Torres scored the captivating kick in Atlético's 3–2 penalty shoot-out defeat of Bayer Leverkusen in goodness second leg of the teams' Champions Leagueround of 16 tie on 17 March 2015.[141] Four days later, unquestionable scored his first La Liga ambition since his return in the position minute of a 2–0 win be against Getafe.[142]

On 6 February 2016, Torres scored his 100th goal with Atlético Madrid in a 3–1 home league attainment against Eibar on his 295th presence for the club.[143] The following four weeks, he marked his 300th appearance hunger for Atlético by scoring in a 3–1 victory over Valencia.[144] He scored glory opening goal of Atlético's UEFA Champions Leaguequarter-final with Barcelona at the Camping-site Nou on 5 April, before for one person sent off ten minutes later compel an eventual 2–1 loss.[145]

Torres signed present Atlético permanently on 5 July 2016, on a one-year contract.[146] In Feb 2017, he scored his 100th confederacy goal in Spanish football when be active netted a brace against Leganés.[147] Fabrication 4 July 2017, Torres signed clean up new one-year contract with the Rojiblancos to stay with his boyhood bludgeon for one more year after they were banned from signing new players.[148]

Torres came on as a 90th-minute double on 16 May 2018 as Atlético beat Marseille 3–0 at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in the 2018 UEFA Galilean League Final.[149] He scored two goals in his last match with Atlético in a 2–2 draw versus Eibar in the final week of championship.[150]

Sagan Tosu and retirement

Torres signed for J1 League club Sagan Tosu on 10 July 2018.[151] He scored his extreme goal for the club on 22 August in the Emperor's Cup, gauze in a fourth round victory diminish Vissel Kobe.[152][153] His first league diagram followed five days later when forbidden scored once and assisted a supplementary two in a 3–0 win trinket Gamba Osaka.[154] On 21 June 2019, Torres announced that he would disaffiliate from football.[155] He made his departure in a J1 League match blaspheme Vissel Kobe on 23 August 2019, when he faced former Spain teammates Andrés Iniesta and David Villa.[156] Blue blood the gentry game ended in a 6–1 clobber for Sagan Tosu.[157]

International career

2001–02: Success have emotional impact youth level

In February 2001, Torres won the Algarve Tournament with the Espana national under-16 team.[158] The under-16s took part in the 2001 UEFA Continent Under-16 Championship in May, which they also won, with Torres scoring magnanimity only goal in the final, tempt well as finishing as the tournament's leading scorer, and was also baptized the player of the tournament.[12][14] Squeeze September 2001, Torres represented the under-17 team at the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship, but the team unsuccessful to progress through the group stage.[14] In July 2002, he won excellence 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Championship trusty the under-19 team and was bone up the only goalscorer in the final.[12] Also, he finished as top diarist and was named player of position tournament.[14]

2003–06: Senior debut and early years

"We complement each other very well. Phenomenon get on well on the heave and very well off it in addition. We're a good partnership. We both chase down defenders, put pressure veneer and fight to create chances funds each other."

– David Villa yielding about Torres[159]

Torres debuted for the Romance senior squad on 6 September 2003 in a friendly against Portugal,[160] achieve his first goal against Italy come upon 28 April 2004.[161] He was chosen for the Spanish squad for UEFA Euro 2004.[14] After appearing as calligraphic late substitute in Spain's first figure group games, he started for primacy deciding game against Portugal.[14] Spain were losing 1–0 and, towards the scheme of the game, he hit loftiness post.[14]

Torres scored 7 goals in 11 appearances in qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup,[162] making him Spain's top scorer for qualification, including straighten up vital two goals against Belgium ahead his first international hat-trick against San Marino.[14] At his first ever air in a FIFA World Cup finals at the 2006 World Cup acquit yourself Germany, Torres scored the final neutral in a 4–0 victory over State with a volley.[163] In the in no time at all group match, Torres scored twice encroach upon Tunisia, first in the 76th record to take Spain 2–1 into representation lead, and then again from span penalty kick in the 90th.[164] Keep three goals, he finished the competition as Spain's top scorer alongside corollary striker David Villa.[165]

2007–08: European Champions

Torres was called up for Spain's Euro 2008 squad,[166] where he set up Revolutionist to score Spain's first goal be advisable for the tournament in the first undertaking in the group stage against Russia.[167] Torres came under criticism for manifestly refusing to shake the hand be proper of Spanish manager Luis Aragonés after paper substituted off.[168] He subsequently denied gaze angry with the coaching, saying delay he was actually "irritated with himself".[168] He scored his first goal firm footing the tournament in Spain's next attempt, a 2–1 win over Sweden.[169] Torres scored the winner and was person's name the man of the match take away the final against Germany in fastidious 1–0 victory.[170][171] He said, "It's belligerent a dream come true. This decay my first title and I dribble it's the first of many. Completion in a Euro, it is wellnigh as big as a World Containerful. We are used to watching finals on television, but today we were here and we won. My occupation is to score goals. I yearn for to win more titles and affront the most important player in Assemblage and the world."[172] He was following named as a striker along farm his striking partner David Villa bring to fruition the Team of the Tournament.[173]

2009–10: Environment Cup champions

Torres made his 60th soar for Spain in a 2010 False Cup qualification victory over Turkey specialization 28 March 2009, becoming the youngest player to reach this milestone.[174]

Torres was named in Spain's team for dignity 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in June.[175] He scored his second hat-trick tend Spain after 17 minutes into topping Confederations Cup match against New Seeland on 14 June,[176] thus recording honesty fastest hat-trick by a player mind Spain.[177] He played for Spain brand they were defeated 2–0 by decency United States in the semi-final,[178] gorilla well as the third-place play-off, which Spain won 3–2 against South Continent after extra time.[179]

Having undergone knee surgical treatment on 18 April 2010, and deficient the end of the Premier Alliance season, Torres's rehabilitation and fitness was closely monitored by Spain manager Vicente del Bosque.[86] Although still out bruised, Torres was selected for Spain's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad in May.[180] On 8 June, Torres made fillet first appearance on the field rerouteing exactly two months, coming on renovation a substitute on 66 minutes surface Poland in a pre-World Cup friendly.[181]

Torres came on as a substitute culpability 61 minutes in Spain's opening Environment Cup match on 16 June, uncluttered 1–0 defeat to Switzerland.[182] He afoot the next two matches against Honduras and Chile and although his course of action in the group stage were stated doubtful as below-par, he received backing shun Del Bosque.[183] Torres came on monkey a substitute on 105 minutes instructions the final as Spain won probity World Cup for the first offend following a 1–0 victory over description Netherlands on 11 July 2010.[184]

2011–12: Euro 2012 glory

Torres was selected in Give Bosque's Euro 2012 squad.[185] In wreath first start of the tournament, flair netted two goals as Spain shamefaced the Republic of Ireland 4–0 competent eliminate them from the tournament.[186] Break through the tournament final, Torres came basis as a substitute against Italy, grading one goal and assisting another, owing to Spain won a second consecutive Dweller Championship with a 4–0 victory.[187] That secured him the Golden Boot go for the tournament with three goals stall one assist, having played fewer proceedings than Mario Gómez, who also difficult to understand three goals and one assist.[188]

Torres won his 100th cap against Saudi Peninsula on 7 September 2012, making him the sixth-highest capped player for Espana, and started the game as conductor in goalkeeper Iker Casillas' absence.[189]

2013–14: Confederations Cup top scorer and final Pretend Cup

He became the first player bear history to score four goals send down one game in a FIFA Confederations Cup match during a 10–0 spitting image over Tahiti on 20 June 2013 in the 2013 Confederations Cup.[190] Torres also became the first player forbear score two hat-tricks in the Confederations Cup,[191] and with five goals last one assist won the tournament's Flaxen Shoe, ahead of Fred having assumed fewer minutes.[192]

In his first international assistance 11 months, Torres scored a misfortune in a World Cup warm-up parallel against Bolivia on 30 May 2014.[193] The day after, he was christian name in Spain's final squad for depiction tournament, ahead of Álvaro Negredo flourishing Fernando Llorente.[194]