Record Liverpool signing Fernando Torres on Monday said he hoped his big-money move would make him famous around the globe.
When will I be world famous? Asks Spanish star Fernando Torres
HONGKONG: Record Liverpool signing Fernando Torres on Monday said he hoped his big-money move would make him famous around the globe. Torres said he was enjoying working with world-renowned players like Steven Gerrard after leaving Atletico Madrid in a 20-million-pound deal.
“I have a lot of respect for the players, they’re very well known around the world,” said Torres, who grabbed 91 goals in 243 appearances for Atletico.
“I was very famous in Spain but I want to be famous all around the world.” Torres, who is here for the Asia Trophy tournament, signed for the Champions League finalists this month and made his debut in a friendly against Werder Bremen. He is likely to face either Portsmouth or Fulham in the Asia Trophy final after Liverpool play local side South China on Tuesday.
“I’ve had a very warm welcome from Liverpool and I’m happy to join the team,” he said. “Some very well known players are here so I’m very happy to play alongside them.” England midfielder Gerrard said he would be happy for Torres to make a name for himself at Liverpool.
“He talks about being a big name and hopefully he will make his name by scoring a lot of goals in the Premiership,” he said. Gerrard added he was pleased with the attitude shown by Torres, who will hope to do better than fellow Spaniard Fernando Morientes’ eight league goals in 16 months.
“What’s most impressed me is that he hasn’t come as a star name,” said Gerrard. “He wants to work hard for the team and the players are really excited to have him with us.” Torres was Atletico’s top-scorer in each of the past five seasons and joins fellow summer signings Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin and Yossi Benayoun at Anfield.
A new-look Liverpool will blood record signing Torres against Premier League opposition as they bid for some pre-season silverware at the Asia Trophy here this week. Liverpool face Hong Kong FA Cup winners South China on Tuesday before a likely showdown with either Portsmouth or Fulham on Friday.
Coach Rafael Benitez snapped up Torres, 23, Dutch forward Ryan Babel, Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin and Yossi Benayoun while ditching Craig Bellamy, Djibril Cisse, Robbie Fowler and goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. The new boys join a full-strength Liverpool for the tournament with Harry Kewell also flying in after Australia’s surprise quarter-final exit from the Asian Cup.
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