Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Torres Loving Reds Life


Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes the Premier League is the greatest domestic competition in the world.

The Spanish striker moved to Anfield from Atletico Madrid in 2007 and he admits he has fallen in love with the club and the English game.

The 24-year-old's second season with the Reds has been disrupted by some nagging injuries but he insists he would not want to play in any other league.

Torres has been particularly impressed by the level of support even smaller clubs get in the Premier League, while he feels honoured to play for Liverpool.

"It isn't easy to adapt but once you have, you would have trouble wanting to play anywhere else," said Torres.

"The Premier League is way ahead of the Spanish league.

"You go to play away at a team in the relegation zone and you find yourself playing on a perfect pitch, with the stands full to bursting and opponents who are there to play football.

"And even if they lose, the crowd are going to cheer them on until the death. You only see this in British football."

Torres added: "The club is a symbol of a city which fought to stay alive.

"Everyone is proud of the team. Players want to come here because they know that Liverpool is a truly great club.

"Anfield is the most English of all the grounds - people live and breathe football there.

"With just 45,000 fans there, that roar they give makes you think you have wings on your feet."

Torres wants to help Liverpool win their first league title since 1990, and he believes skipper Steven Gerrard can inspire the team to glory.

He said in France Football: "A captain in England must lead by example. Steve Gerrard is someone everyone wants to be like - always the first at training, it is he who grafts the hardest in each exercise, who sacrifices himself during each match.

"You follow him blindly. Moreover, he is a star who decided to stay at Liverpool despite all the offers.

"It is a pleasure to receive the through balls you get from Steven. He puts the ball where he wants, like Xavi for the national team.

"It is fair to say the Premier League is in front of everything else for us.

"It is 18 years since Liverpool were last champions of England and the wait is enormous."

No comments: