The Torres family was not very football-oriented. It was not one of those Spanish families glued to the radio listening to live match commentaries, nor was it one of those where, when there was a big match, all the relatives and friends joined together to experience the event. The only real fan was the grandfather, a lifelong rojiblanco or supporter of Atlético Madrid, and a young Fernando Torres followed in his footsteps.

“I think you are born and Atlético person,” says Fernando, talking to a crowded gathering at the Marca Sports Forum. “There aren’t very many people who become fans of the red-and-whites on the way. Kids see Real Madrid winning and it’s one of the giants, so they become fans. In my class I was the only Atlético supporter out of 30 children.

“How did I handle it? Well, I had to put up with the jokes every weekend, but I felt more and more proud. I used to go to the ground to watch my team play and when we lost I thought, “oh well, we’ll win next week.” And when we won I was happy for the whole week afterwards.

Its clear that Fernando, nicknamed ‘El Niño’ for his youthful looks and enthusiasm on the pitch, still has an abiding love for the team he grew up supporting, and for the junior team of which he played for from the tender age of 11. Now a striker for Liverpool, a regular fixture in the Spanish national team, and almost certain to win this year’s Golden Boot award as top scorer in the Premier League, Fernando has come a long way from the little boy cheering along with his grandfather on the sidelines.

“I’ve seen Atlético grow in stature. They’ve played Champions League Football, signed up some really good players, and are now a team that’s recognised in Europe. That’s what I wanted when I left.

“At Atlético there were people I’d known since I was a kid, players who I was with in the junior levels and afterwards in the first team. Now, at Liverpool, I’ve started from scratch and get on well with everyone. I’m not a person who has had or caused problems in the dressing room. I’ve always tried to be as consistent as possible because I know it’s your team-mates who are going to make you a big name or not.

“Personally speaking, I think I’ve come on a great deal over these two years. In my first season at Liverpool I managed to score more goals than any other foreign player in the Premier League. I’ve developed in footballing terms and it’s been Liverpool that has let me do that, because it’s a team that always plays at the highest level. That’s why I’m very happy with the decision I took.”

Read the full article in our October 2009 issue.