Liverpool saluted a World Cup winner for the second time on Sunday evening.
Fernando Torres followed in the footsteps of England’s 1966 hero Sir Roger Hunt when he helped Spain claim the most coveted prize in world football for the first time.
Anfield team-mate Pepe Reina was also in the Spanish squad, but watched from the dug-out as Torres ended the match a World Cup winner.
There was a scare for the Liverpool striker, though, as he pulled up with an apparent hamstring injury.
He lay flat out on the turf for a full minute before getting gingerly to his feet, but he was later able to ascend the Soccer City steps to collect his winner’s medal.
His experience was in stark contrast to clubmate Dirk Kuyt and Everton’s Johnny Heitinga who were in the defeated Dutch camp.
Heitinga also suffered the ignominy of being the fifth man red-carded in a World Cup final.
The Spanish, however, were celebrating and coach Vicente Del Bosque said: “The dressing room is delighted, ecstatic. But Spain, the country, deserves this triumph, this World Cup.
“This goes beyond sport. We have to celebrate. All the people have been behind us in Spain, and we’re delighted to reward them with this victory.”
Torres will now enjoy a holiday before returning to Merseyside in around three weeks when the first item on new manager Roy Hodgson’s agenda will be to convince the forward his long-term future is at Anfield.
With Chelsea and Manchester City reported to be lining up bids Hodgson said: “Fernando is a wonderful striker and I understand the fans’ concerns about his future.
“Unfortunately I won’t be able to meet him face to face for another few weeks.
“When I do meet him, I will be doing everything I possibly can to convince him that Liverpool is the place to be. If he sees progress, I am confident that he won’t want to go anywhere else. I think he understands the club and the city.”
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