Fernando Torres breaks down in tears at retirement press conference as he names Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as best ever team-mate
FERNANDO TORRES broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to football – then named Fernando Torres as his greatest team-mate.
The Spaniard held a press conference today to explain why he is hanging up his boots.
Torres, 35, spent 18 years as a professional, winning the World Cup, two Euros, the Champions League, two Europa Leagues and the FA Cup in a stellar career.
But out of all the fine players he lined up alongside for Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and of course Spain, he reckons Stevie G was the best of the lot, despite not winning any silverware with the now-Rangers boss.
Fighting back the waterworks in Tokyo, El Nino said: “I always say the best player I played with is Steven Gerrard.
“I found he was the player who completed my game. I think my level got into a different dimension when I was on the pitch with him.
“It was an amazing three-and-a-half years playing alongside Steven and I would love to go back to those days – even for one minute.”
Torres made the announcement of his retirement on Friday after two seasons with J League side Sagan Tosu.
After breaking through at Atletico Madrid, he spent four years at Anfield and scored 81 goals in 142 games for the Reds.
That earned him a £50million move to Chelsea in January 2011 but his form dipped and he managed just 20 Prem goals before leaving on loan 2014 and making the switch to AC Milan permanent in 2015.
After returning to Atleti, he enjoyed a final swansong in Japan and has amassed a fine 260 goals in 784 club appearances.
Torres also won 110 caps for Spain and his 38 strikes are only bettered by David Villa and Raul.
But recognising his level has dropped and considering a career in coaching, Torres addressed the media to explain his decision to retire.
He added: “I’ve always wanted to be honest and to perform at the level I think I should.
“And I think the time I will not be able to perform at the level I ask for myself is not far away and I don’t want to arrive at the time that I am going on the pitch and I’m not enjoying it.
“I want to put an end before that happens. Knowing my body and listening to my body, I think especially mentally that time is not far away and I want to finish my career in a good way before that happens.
“To say goodbye to football next to my dear friend Iniesta is something I could never imagine, and Japan is going to make it possible.
“Also there will be my friend David Villa, with who I probably share the best moments in Spanish football history.
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“So to say goodbye to football next to two very good friends – we share too many memories together – will be something great.
“I tried to find an iconic moment to play my final game and I think that is the perfect timing. I don’t know if it will be coaching or managing. I will study both things.
“I’m sure it will be something related to football because it’s been my life and it’s where I think I can offer more things.”