Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was always hot property after
breaking through to the Atletico Madrid first team in 2001 at the
tender age of 17. Before signing for the Reds this summer, though,
potential suitors were always turned away, and the player's
revealed today that Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal were
among those told to look elsewhere...
Fernando Torres revealed today that, had things gone differently,
he may now be wearing a different Premier League shirt.
The Liverpool ace turned down offers from Chelsea, Manchester
United and Arsenal in seasons past before finally moving away from
Atletico Madrid to pastures new.
"Offers came in from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, but at
the time I preferred to stay with Atletico," he told
LiverpoolFC.tv.
The striker, who made his first team debut at 17 before becoming
Atleti captain at 19, has no regrets about his decision.
"I've improved a great deal as a player since joining Liverpool, my
movement improving with the time I've spent here," he added.
El Niño had never played a European match before facing Toulouse
with Liverpool, having endured the barren years with Atletico that
saw the rojiblancos miss out on continental competition throughout
his entire tenure.
Of course, they qualified for the UEFA Cup via the Intertoto this
season, but Torres left the club before he could take part.
Presumably, though, the mouth-watering prospect of Champions League
football with Liverpool will prove a more than adequate
consolation.
"Everybody wants to play in Europe and be named amongst the
greats," he said.
"That's why I came here: for the challenge, not the money. I want
the chance to win things and believe that I can do that with
Liverpool.
"The chance to play in the Champions League and with great players
is what matters. I aim to contribute goals."
Torres has scored three times in five Premiership appearances for
the Anfield side since his 30 million euro transfer this
summer.