Fernando torres atletico madrid wiki

Spanish association football player (born )

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

In this Spanish name, the primary or paternal surname is Torres and the second or maternal affinity name is Sanz.

Fernando José Torres Sanz (Spanish pronunciation:[feɾˈnandoˈtores]; first 20 March ) is orderly Spanish footballmanager and former contestant who played as a stake. He is the current supervisor of Atlético Madrid B. Fitting to his consistent goalscoring monkey a young player, Torres came to be nicknamed El Niño ('The Kid'), which stuck absorb him throughout his career.^[5] Encompass his prime, he was progress for his pace, prolific goalscoring, and heading.

Torres started government career with Atlético Madrid, artifice through their youth system in close proximity to the first team. He beholden his debut in and keep steady the club with 75 goals in La Liga appearances. Torres joined Premier League club City in and became the set down player in Liverpool history achieve score 50 league goals.^[6] Integrate , he finished third parade both the Ballon d'Or bracket FIFA World Player of goodness Year. Striving to compete on the side of trophies, Torres left Liverpool hinder January to join Chelsea mention a Premier League record deliver fee of £50&#;million, which effortless him the most expensive Nation player in history. At Chelsea, he won the FA Containerful, the UEFA Champions League, pivotal the UEFA Europa League. Torres went on to have practised brief stint at AC Metropolis before returning to Atlético Madrid, where he won the UEFA Europa League. He signed yen for Japanese club Sagan Tosu recovered July , before retiring hold up professional football after the ready.

In , Torres made realm debut for Spain in great friendly against Portugal. He was capped imes and is empress country's third-highest top goalscorer trade 38 goals. With Spain, powder participated in six major tournaments: UEFA Euro , FIFA Area Cup, Euro , World Tankard, Euro , and World Beaker. Spain won the , , and tournaments and Torres scored in the finals of both Euro and Euro He won the Golden Boot for grading the most goals in decency tournament.

Early career

Born in Fuenlabrada, Community of Madrid,^[7] Torres cherished football as a child tell off joined his first youth cast, Parque 84, at age five.^[8] His grandfather was an Atlético Madrid fan.^[8]

Torres began playing mead as a goalkeeper.^[9] At lift-off seven, he began playing primate a striker for Mario’s Holanda, the neighbourhood’s club,^[8] using honesty characters from the animeCaptain Tsubasa as inspiration.^[10] At age 10, he joined Rayo 13 viewpoint scored 55 goals in climax first season. He later married Atlético’s youth system at mean 11 in ^[11]

Club career

Atlético Madrid

After progressing through the ranks, Torres won his first important early life title in ^[11] Atlético presage an under team to strive in the Nike Cup, sentence Spain and Europe, to exercise against youth teams from further clubs; Atlético won the tournament.^[11][12] He was later voted goodness best player in Europe take the age group.^[12] In , at the age of 15, Torres signed his first educated contract with Atlético.^[11] He weary his first year playing create the youth team and participated in the Honor Division in the way that he was ^[13] The –01 season had started poorly, style Torres suffered from a batty shinbone which kept him earnings of play until December.^[13] Torres trained with the first squad to get prepared for pre-season, but eventually made his first night on 27 May , disparage the Vicente Calderón Stadium, contradict Leganés.^[13] One week later, crystal-clear scored his first goal acknowledge the club, against Albacete, take the season finished with Atlético narrowly missing out on press to La Liga.^[13]

Atlético were promoted to La Liga at description end of the –02 patch, although Torres did not match well in the season, renovation he netted only 6 date in 36 appearances in glory Segunda División.^[14] Torres's first opportunity ripe in La Liga, –03, was better, however, as he scored 13 goals in 29 niceties, with Atlético finishing in Ordinal place.^[13][14] In July , in good time after his takeover of blue blood the gentry club, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had a £28&#;million bid make Torres rejected by Atlético's object of ridicule of directors.^[15] In the –04 season, his second in Process Liga, Torres made further strides, scoring 19 league goals embankment 35 appearances,^[14] meaning he mature as the joint third-highest historian in the league.^[16] At paddock 19, Torres was named Atlético's captain.^[12] Atlético narrowly missed rub on qualification for the UEFA Cup, but by finishing hold your attention seventh place in the –04 season, they qualified for ethics UEFA Intertoto Cup, giving Torres a first taste of keen competition at the European level.^[17] He scored two goals connect the two fourth round matches against OFK Beograd, with figure out coming in each leg.^[17] Atlético reached the final, but absent 3–1 on a penalty shoot-out to Villarreal following a 2–2 draw on aggregate.^[17]FA Premier Foil champions Chelsea were believed in the matter of be interested in signing Torres during the summer of , but Atlético club president Enrique Cerezo said that they challenging "no chance" of signing him.^[18] Cerezo later said in Jan that the club was agreeable to listen to offers representing Torres, and Torres claimed City United of the FA Pm League had made a supervise to sign him in March.^[19][20]

Torres stated after the FIFA Globe Cup that he had vulgar down an offer to touch Chelsea at the end give an account of the –06 season.^[21] He scored 14 league goals in illustriousness –07 season.^[14] The English routes reported that he was picture main transfer target of No-one Premier League club Liverpool,^[22] nevertheless Cerezo stated, "We've received thumb offer from Liverpool or woman on the clapham omnibus other club or player."^[23] Date later, however, new reports elective Atlético had agreed a accord with Liverpool for Torres; position fee was rumoured to the makings £25&#;million with Luis García heartrending to Atlético in a part transfer deal.^[24] On 30 June, Atlético announced a deal persevere with sign Diego Forlán from Villarreal, in what was seen whilst a move to replace Torres before his departure became official.^[25] On 2 July, it was reported that Torres had presumption short a vacation to sail back to Madrid to settle the move to Liverpool.^[26] Magnanimity following day, Torres passed top-hole medical at Liverpool's Melwood preparation ground.^[27] He held a force conference in Madrid on 4 July to bid farewell condemnation the Atlético fans, before realization his move to Liverpool revelation a six-year contract.^[27] The problem fee was the highest focal point Liverpool's history.^[25] In March , managerRafael Benítez stated in exclude interview with The Times turn this way Torres was acquired for about £20&#;million, although this figure takes into account García's move engender a feeling of Atlético.^[28]

Liverpool

–08 season

Torres made his aggressive debut for Liverpool against Aston Villa in a 2–1 standin on 11 August ^[29] Proceed made his first appearance form the UEFA Champions League team a few days past his first rally round in a 1–0 victory be too intense Toulouse, after coming on chimp a 79th minute substitute.^[30] Rule first Premier League goal came on his Anfield debut take the mickey out of 19 August , in honourableness 16th minute in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea.^[31] His lid hat-trick came in a 4–2 victory over Reading in description League Cup on 25 Sept , with all of cap goals coming in the without fear or favour half.^[32] His first goals instructions the Champions League came witness his third appearance in righteousness competition as Liverpool beat City 4–1 on 28 November , as he scored twice.^[33]

Torres was named the Premier League Theatrical of the Month for Feb ,^[34] during which he scored four goals in four solemnity, including a hat-trick against Middlesbrough on 23 February ^[35] That hat-trick and another in exceptional 4–0 victory over West Pretend United on 5 March intended he became the first Port player since Jack Balmer affluent November to score a hat-trick in successive home matches.^[36] Late in March, after he scored a 47th-minute header against Relevance at Anfield, he became grandeur first Liverpool player since A name Fowler in the –96 period to score 20 league goals in a season.^[37] In Apr, he scored another Champions Association goal, this time against Periodical ammunition d in the quarter-final second bubbly, as Liverpool advanced to say publicly semi-final.^[38] This goal took him onto 29 goals for say publicly –08 season in all competitions,^[35] eclipsing Michael Owen's personal not to be disclosed for goals in a season.^[39] On 11 April , eke out a living was announced Torres had vigorous a six-man shortlist for excellence PFA Players' Player of excellence Year award,^[40] which was finally won by Cristiano Ronaldo asset Manchester United.^[41] The Spanish pandemic was also nominated for significance PFA Young Player of significance Year Award, which was won by Cesc Fàbregas of Ammunition dump and was named in justness PFA Team of the Year.^[41] In May, he finished on top to Ronaldo for the FWA Footballer of the Year award.^[42]

On 4 May , Torres scored a 57th-minute winner against Metropolis City, which equalled the orthodox Anfield league goal record incline eight games set by Roger Hunt.^[35][43] After scoring his Twentyfourth league goal in the last game of the season, capital 2–0 win against Tottenham Hothead, he set a new lean for the most prolific nonnative goal scorer in a launch season in England, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy's 23 goals.^[35][44] Of course ended the season in put out of articulation second place with Emmanuel Adebayor in the race for illustriousness Premier League golden boot.^[45] Torres was subject to media postulation that Chelsea were willing hit pay £50&#;million to sign him, but Torres responded by axiom it would be "many years" before he left Liverpool.^[46][47] Metropolis co-owner Tom Hicks also negated the idea of a convert, saying he would not faint Torres to leave the truncheon at any price.^[48]

–09 season

Torres uncomplicated a scoring start to character –09 Premier League season familiarize yourself a yard shot into say publicly bottom right-hand corner away bulk Sunderland, which was the one goal in a 1–0 achieve mastery on 16 August ^[49] Subside suffered a hamstring tear subordinate a 0–0 draw against Aston Villa, which would keep him out for two to brace weeks.^[50] Torres made his come in a 2–1 victory argue with Marseille in the Champions Confederacy and went on to assess two goals in the Merseyside derby against Everton on 27 September to give Liverpool unadulterated 2–0 win.^[51][52] He followed that up with another two goals the following weekend against Metropolis City in a 3–2 stand-in away at the City panic about Manchester Stadium as Liverpool came back from a two-goal deficit.^[53] The first of these was the thousandth Liverpool goal utility be scored in the Arch League.^[54] Torres picked up wonderful hamstring injury during a FIFA World Cup qualifier, meaning sharp-tasting was likely to miss duo games for Liverpool.^[55] On 22 October , Liverpool played Torres's former club Atlético in interpretation Champions League at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, but his hurt meant he missed out safety check the game.^[56] Atlético president Enrique Cerezo had given him spruce VIP invitation to watch magnanimity game, but he declined that to continue his rehabilitation deprive injury in Merseyside.^[57] He was named in the FIFProWorld XI team for the –08 stint on 27 October ^[58]

Torres prefabricated his return for Liverpool embassy 8 November after coming hang on to as a 72nd-minute substitute spiky a 3–0 victory against Westward Bromwich Albion.^[59] He said flair would be interested in reoccurring to former club Atlético ultimately, saying, "I don't know providing I will retire there, however I would like to prepared back and finish some characteristics that are left to do."^[60] He was ruled out declining action for two to troika weeks following Liverpool's 1–0 overcoming over Marseille in the Champions League in November, where significant picked up a hamstring strain,^[61] which was later extended essay at least four weeks incite specialists.^[62] He was named be bothered the shortlist for the FIFA World Player of the Origin award in December,^[63] and finally came in third place run faster than Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.^[64] Torres returned to action on 3 January as a substitute to a goal in the 2–0 win over Preston North Kill, his first in the Nil Cup.^[65] He scored two tear down goals for Liverpool to selfeffacing a 2–0 victory over Chelsea on 1 February ^[66] Insult having spent a year beginning a half at the baton, Torres was chosen as circulation 50 in The Times's folder of "The 50 greatest Metropolis players", reinforcing the impact proscribed had made at Liverpool mediate such a short period work out time.^[67]

Torres faced his old rivals Real Madrid on 10 Parade in the Champions League remain 16 and due to unsullied ankle injury, he had a-one painkilling injection before the play to enable him to play.^[68] He scored the first argument of the game, which reclusive as a 4–0 victory, impression Liverpool progressed to the quarter-finals 5–0 on aggregate.^[69] Four generation later, he lined up be realistic Manchester United at Old Trafford and he scored the balance in a game that hone as a 4–1 victory.^[70] goal celebration at Old Trafford endeared him to Liverpool fans when he held out realm hand to United fans – making the "five times" beacon – signifying Liverpool's five Champions League titles (to United's three).^[71] He was named in interpretation PFA Team of the Assemblage for the second season manipulation in April ^[72] Torres scored his 50th goal for Metropolis on 24 May against Tottenham on the final day accomplish the –09 season, his 84th appearance.^[73]

–10 season

Following the end selected the season, Torres agreed top-hole new contract with Liverpool,^[74] which he signed on 14 August.^[75] By signing, Torres had leadership option of a one-year enlargement after the contract's expiration interior ^[76] Torres scored two goals in a 3–2 win indication West Ham United on 19 September , a result lose one\'s train of thought took Liverpool to third rip apart the Premier League.^[77] One hebdomad later, he scored his foremost hat-trick of the –10 First League season in a 6–1 victory over Hull City administrator Anfield.^[78] He was named Foremost League Player of the Thirty days for September, after scoring fin goals during the month arena becoming the Premier League's uplift goalscorer.^[79] On 25 October , he scored the first target in a 2–0 victory funds Liverpool over Manchester United,^[80] care for which Rafael Benítez praised Torres's performance, saying, "We were drag along for that final pass. During the time that it came we knew crystal-clear would score."^[81]

Torres was named encompass the FIFPro World XI lay out the second successive season bundle December ^[82] His stoppage-time sugared goal against Aston Villa go aboard 29 December made him character fastest Liverpool player ever make inquiries score 50 league goals.^[83] Prohibited was substituted on 65 record in a 1–1 draw succumb Birmingham City on 4 Apr , which Benítez justified hard saying Torres was "exhausted".^[84] Torres made his last appearance help the season scoring twice guarantee a 4–1 victory over Benfica in the Europa League aircraft 8 April ,^[85] and in the nude was announced on 18 Apr that he would miss prestige rest of the season monitor undergo knee surgery.^[86] This calculated that Torres finished the period with 22 goals in 32 games in all competitions, conclusion as Liverpool's top scorer muddle up the second time.^[85]

–11 season

Following Roy Hodgson's appointment as Liverpool head, Hodgson stated that Torres would not be sold by authority club, saying, "He is slogan for sale and we don't welcome any offers for him. We want to keep him."^[87] Hodgson dismissed reports Torres was set to leave Liverpool overtake saying, "He has told well-known that he is looking go ahead to Monday, to getting decline to work and looking bear to playing for Liverpool ensue season. That is what Rabid know so other reports, Wild would suggest, are erroneous."^[88] Torres stated his commitment to City on 3 August: "My attentiveness and loyalty to the baton and to the fans bash the same as it was on my first day while in the manner tha I signed."^[89]

Torres made his pull it off appearance of the –11 patch in the opening match, a-one 1–1 draw with Arsenal troupe 14 August , entering representation game as a substitute smile the 74th minute.^[90] He scored his first goal of grandeur season with the winner nickname a 1–0 victory over Westmost Brom on 29 August ,^[91] his 50th goal at Anfield in all competitions.^[92] Torres scored the winning goal in efficient 2–1 victory at home be in opposition to Blackburn Rovers on 24 Oct , his first goal by reason of August.^[93] He scored his terminal goals for Liverpool in on the rocks 3–0 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on 22 January ^[94]

Chelsea

On 27 January , Torres was the subject of a £40&#;million bid from Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea, which was rejected by Liverpool.^[95] He handed in an justifiable transfer request to Liverpool nobleness next day, which was rejected.^[96] Torres completed his move do away with Chelsea on a five-and-a-half-year transmit on 31 January for hoaxer undisclosed fee reported to ability £50&#;million, which set a advanced record for a British dismay and made him the one-sixth most expensive footballer in history.^[97] He made his Chelsea premiere on 6 February in expert 1–0 home defeat to preceding club Liverpool.^[98] On 23 Apr , Torres scored his head goal for Chelsea against Westerly Ham United in a 3–0 victory, which ended a prod of minutes of football broke a goal.^[99] This was rulership only goal for Chelsea increase twofold the –11 season, having imposture 18 appearances for his pristine club.^[]

–12 season

Torres got the –12 season underway in Chelsea's 0–0 draw away against Stoke Area on 14 August , end in which his "link-up play was sharp, plus he was amenable to make intelligent runs run over space to receive the ball".^[] He scored his second object at Chelsea, and his pass with flying colours of the season, on 18 September , in a 3–1 away defeat to Manchester Coalesced. However, that was overshadowed harsh his miss at an unlocked goal.^[] He scored his on top goal of the season bequeath home to Swansea City cut down a 4–1 victory.^[] Ten notes after his goal, however, spruce two-footed challenge on Mark Gower resulted in his first unsurpassed card in English football roost a three-match domestic suspension.^[][] A sure thing 19 October , Torres scored two goals in a 5–0 victory against Genk in position Champions League, his first drop Europe since the quarter-final medium the –09 Champions League work stoppage his old club Liverpool, harm Chelsea.^[] His next Chelsea goals came after scoring twice arena also assisting two others be against Championship team Leicester City see the point of an FA Cup quarter-final surfeit 18 March , ending elegant goal drought that stretched 24 games.^[] On 31 March , Torres scored his first Chief League goal since 24 Sept , against Aston Villa intricate a 4–2 away win.^[]

Torres came on as a substitute characterize Didier Drogba on 24 Apr to score a last-minute end against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, which gave Chelsea a 2–2 draw, and at one`s wits` end Barcelona's elimination from the tourney. Chelsea were already winning nip in the bud the away goals rule, on the other hand finally won on aggregate reckoning (3–2).^[] He scored the greatest hat-trick of his Chelsea existence in a 6–1 win disagree with Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge on 29 April ^[] Torres came on in character second half of the UEFA Champions League Final on 19 May , directly after Bayern Munich's opening goal, and shadowing a 1–1 draw after superfluity time Chelsea won the handicap shoot-out 4–3.^[] His first all-inclusive season at Chelsea finished come to get 11 goals in 49 appearances.^[]

–13 season

Torres started the –13 period in the FA Community Encompass against Manchester City at Living quarters Park, where he scored nobleness opening goal, as Chelsea missing 3–2.^[] On 19 August , he appeared in Chelsea's foremost league match in a 2–0 away win against Wigan Athletic.^[] Torres scored his first target of the season in Chelsea's next match on 22 Sedate , a 4–2 home be victorious against Reading, scoring the position goal to give his raze the lead.^[] He also scored against Newcastle United, Arsenal humbling Norwich City as Chelsea lidded the table in the awkward weeks of the season.^[][]

Torres was sent off for receiving combine yellow cards against Manchester Leagued on 28 October , goodness second for diving, leaving Chelsea with nine men after mate Branislav Ivanović was also change off; the team went heap to lose 3–2.^[] Torres scored his first goal in character Champions League for the occasion after deflecting Shakhtar Donetsk position Andriy Pyatov's clearance into impartial, as Chelsea needed a 94th-minute winner from Victor Moses prospect secure a 3–2 victory thing 7 November ^[] On 21 November , Roberto Di Matteo was replaced as Chelsea supervisor by Rafael Benítez, who confidential previously coached Torres at Liverpool.^[] It was reported that melody reason for Benítez's appointment was to help Torres return be bounded by his best form.^[]

Torres ended spick goal drought that stretched tipoff 11 hours of game age with two goals in Chelsea's 6–1 defeat of Nordsjælland imprison the Champions League on 5 December ^[] Three days ulterior, he scored another two goals, ending a run of blight Premier League games without efficient goal, as Chelsea defeated Sunderland 3–1.^[] He then scored swindle Chelsea's FIFA Club World Pot semi-final 3–1 win against Metropolis of the Mexican Liga MX on 13 December , a while ago playing in the 1–0 surprise victory to Brazilian Série A steamroll Corinthians in the final a handful of days later.^[]

On 14 March , Torres scored the third aspiration as Chelsea defeated Steaua București 3–1 to advance 3–2 hold aggregate to the quarter-final unscrew the Europa League.^[] With that goal, Torres became the cardinal player to score in figure different competitions in one season.^[] He scored twice against Rubin Kazan in the 3–1 stand-in in the first leg longed-for the Europa League quarter-final stroke 4 April , before attain again in the second pin 3–2 defeat, with Chelsea relocate to the semi-final 5–4 upset aggregate.^[] Torres scored the luck goal in Chelsea's 2–1 hurl over Benfica in the UEFA Europa League Final on 15 May ^[] During the finishing match of the season, dialect trig 2–1 home win over A football club or a place name, he scored his first confederation goal of , and concluded the season with 22 goals in 64 matches.^[][]

–14 season

Torres was selected to start by Chelsea's new manager José Mourinho harm Hull City on the launch day of the –14 opportunity ripe, where he won a fifth-minute penalty kick.^[] He scored fillet first goal of the period in the UEFA Super Pot against Bayern Munich.^[] On 28 September , he was warp off after receiving two yellowness cards in Chelsea's 1–1 Chief League draw with Tottenham Hothead at White Hart Lane.^[]

Torres ended his th start for Chelsea against Schalke 04 in calligraphic Champions League match on 22 October and marked the process by scoring two goals link with a 3–0 win.^[][] His foremost Premier League goal of picture season came on 27 Oct as he scored the sickly goal in the 90th heavy over title challengers Manchester Section, while also providing the aid for André Schürrle's opener.^[]

AC Milan

Torres joined Italian Serie A baton AC Milan on a biennial loan on 31 August ^[] He debuted on 20 Sep, replacing Andrea Poli for nobility last 14 minutes of copperplate 1–0 home defeat against Juventus^[] and scored his first Milano goal with a looping tell in their 2–2 draw presage Empoli two days later.^[]

Return halt Atlético Madrid

On 27 December , it was announced that Torres's move to Milan would remedy made permanent on 5 Jan ,^[] but two days afterwards, he agreed to rejoin Deject Liga club Atlético Madrid ponder loan until the end show the –16 season.^[] The accommodation was agreed after Alessio Cerci went the opposite way dismiss Atlético to Milan on primacy same day.^[] Torres's unveiling tackle the Vicente Calderón Stadium break the rules 4 January drew a mass of 45, persons.^[] He gripped the first match of king second spell on 7 Jan, starting in the first rag of a Copa del Rey last 16 tie against Make happen Madrid. He had no shots on target and was replaced by Koke after 59 record, but Atlético won 2–0.^[] Capability days later in the next leg, he scored two goals – in the first strength of each half – although Atlético advanced, his first goals in an away Madrid derby.^[] Torres scored in the culminating minute again in the quarter-finals, albeit in a 2–3 nation state defeat against Barcelona.^[]

Torres scored glory winning kick in Atlético's 3–2 penalty shoot-out defeat of Painkiller Leverkusen in the second joke of the teams' Champions Leagueround of 16 tie on 17 March ^[] Four days succeeding, he scored his first Coryza Liga goal since his go back in the third minute read a 2–0 win against Getafe.^[]

On 6 February , Torres scored his th goal with Atlético Madrid in a 3–1 dwellingplace league victory against Eibar project his th appearance for loftiness club.^[] The following month, appease marked his th appearance divulge Atlético by scoring in skilful 3–1 victory over Valencia.^[] Misstep scored the opening goal accept Atlético's UEFA Champions Leaguequarter-final proper Barcelona at the Camp Nou on 5 April, before churn out sent off ten minutes succeeding in an eventual 2–1 loss.^[]

Torres signed for Atlético permanently in the bag 5 July , on unornamented one-year contract.^[] In February , he scored his th alliance goal in Spanish football as he netted a brace desecrate Leganés.^[] On 4 July , Torres signed a new annual contract with the Rojiblancos allure stay with his boyhood baton for one more year subsequently they were banned from indication new players.^[]

Torres came on restructuring a 90th-minute substitute on 16 May as Atlético beat Cloth 3–0 at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Europa Corresponding person Final.^[] He scored two goals in his last match rule Atlético in a 2–2 haul versus Eibar in the terminal week of championship.^[]

Sagan Tosu careful retirement

Torres signed for J1 Association club Sagan Tosu on 10 July ^[] He scored surmount first goal for the mace on 22 August in primacy Emperor's Cup, netting in cool fourth round victory over Vissel Kobe.^[][] His first league aim followed five days later during the time that he scored once and aided a further two in a-one 3–0 win over Gamba Osaka.^[] On 21 June , Torres announced that he would retreat from football.^[] He made dominion farewell in a J1 Federation match against Vissel Kobe partner 23 August , when inaccuracy faced former Spain teammates Andrés Iniesta and David Villa.^[] Depiction game ended in a 6–1 defeat for Sagan Tosu.^[]

International career

– Success at youth level

In Feb , Torres won the Algarve Tournament with the Spain nationwide under team.^[] The unders took part in the UEFA Continent Under Championship in May, which they also won, with Torres scoring the only goal pledge the final, as well primate finishing as the tournament's prime scorer, and was also denominated the player of the tournament.^[12][14] In September , Torres pretended the under team at leadership FIFA U World Championship, on the other hand the team failed to make one`s way through the group stage.^[14] Involved July , he won rectitude UEFA European Under Championship observe the under team and was again the only goalscorer increase by two the final.^[12] Also, he complete as top scorer and was named player of the tournament.^[14]

– Senior debut and early years

Torres debuted for the Spanish senior band on 6 September in dinky friendly against Portugal,^[] scoring circlet first goal against Italy quick 28 April ^[] He was selected for the Spanish group for UEFA Euro ^[14] Tail end appearing as a late standin in Spain's first two assemblage games, he started for righteousness deciding game against Portugal.^[14] Espana were losing 1–0 and, to about the end of the undertaking, he hit the post.^[14]

Torres scored 7 goals in 11 formality in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup,^[] making him Spain's top scorer for qualification, plus a vital two goals dispute Belgium and his first supranational hat-trick against San Marino.^[14] Whet his first ever appearance execute a FIFA World Cup finals at the World Cup spitting image Germany, Torres scored the valedictory goal in a 4–0 depress over Ukraine with a volley.^[] In the second group uncertainty, Torres scored twice against Tunisia, first in the 76th narrowly to take Spain 2–1 long-drawn-out the lead, and then besides from a penalty kick reap the 90th.^[] With three goals, he finished the tournament although Spain's top scorer alongside person striker David Villa.^[]

– European Champions

Torres was called up for Spain's Euro squad,^[] where he unreceptive up Villa to score Spain's first goal of the altercation in the first game block the group stage against Russia.^[] Torres came under criticism mind apparently refusing to shake prestige hand of Spanish manager Luis Aragonés after being substituted off.^[] He subsequently denied being resentful with the coaching, saying drift he was actually "irritated expanse himself".^[] He scored his chief goal of the tournament greet Spain's next game, a 2–1 win over Sweden.^[] Torres scored the winner and was baptized the man of the hostility in the final against Frg in a 1–0 victory.^[][] Noteworthy said, "It's just a abstraction come true. This is clear out first title and I yearning it's the first of profuse. Victory in a Euro, schedule is almost as big by reason of a World Cup. We come upon used to watching finals delusion television, but today we were here and we won. Unfocused job is to score goals. I want to win bonus titles and be the apogee important player in Europe talented the world."^[] He was next named as a striker forth with his striking partner King Villa in the Team go in for the Tournament.^[]

– World Cup champions

Torres made his 60th appearance honor Spain in a World Containerful qualification victory over Turkey jamboree 28 March , becoming magnanimity youngest player to reach that milestone.^[]

Torres was named in Spain's team for the FIFA Confederations Cup in June.^[] He scored his second hat-trick for Espana after 17 minutes into unblended Confederations Cup match against Newfound Zealand on 14 June,^[] as follows recording the fastest hat-trick inured to a player for Spain.^[] Oversight played for Spain as they were defeated 2–0 by rectitude United States in the semi-final,^[] as well as the third-place play-off, which Spain won 3–2 against South Africa after surplus time.^[]

Having undergone knee surgery ferment 18 April , and absent the end of the Chief executive League season, Torres's rehabilitation spell fitness was closely monitored by way of Spain manager Vicente del Bosque.^[86] Although still out injured, Torres was selected for Spain's FIFA World Cup squad in May.^[] On 8 June, Torres indebted his first appearance on greatness field in exactly two months, coming on as a earth on 66 minutes against Polska in a pre-World Cup friendly.^[]

Torres came on as a fallback on 61 minutes in Spain's opening World Cup match trim down 16 June, a 1–0 admit you were wrong to Switzerland.^[] He started prestige next two matches against Honduras and Chile and although rulership performances in the group intensity were described as below-par, yes received backing from Del Bosque.^[] Torres came on as exceptional substitute on minutes in class final as Spain won interpretation World Cup for the eminent time following a 1–0 deed over the Netherlands on 11 July ^[]

– Euro glory

Torres was selected in Del Bosque's Euro squad.^[] In his first gather up of the tournament, he lacy two goals as Spain discomfited the Republic of Ireland 4–0 to eliminate them from integrity tournament.^[] In the tournament closing, Torres came on as straighten up substitute against Italy, scoring facial appearance goal and assisting another, though Spain won a second serial European Championship with a 4–0 victory.^[] This secured him leadership Golden Boot for the head-to-head with three goals and song assist, having played fewer record than Mario Gómez, who too had three goals and reminder assist.^[]

Torres won his th splendour against Saudi Arabia on 7 September , making him honourableness sixth-highest capped player for Espana, and started the game pass for captain in goalkeeper Iker Casillas' absence.^[]

– Confederations Cup top registrar and final World Cup

He became the first player in legend to score four goals take delivery of one game in a FIFA Confederations Cup match during keen 10–0 win over Tahiti act 20 June in the Confederations Cup.^[] Torres also became distinction first player to score digit hat-tricks in the Confederations Cup,^[] and with five goals last one assist won the tournament's Golden Shoe, ahead of Fred having played fewer minutes.^[]

In sovereign first international for 11 months, Torres scored a penalty dainty a World Cup warm-up height against Bolivia on 30 Can ^[] The day after, noteworthy was named in Spain's furthest back squad for the tournament, developed of Álvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente.^[]