El Nino, Broke of Transfer Record

Liverpool broke there transfer record on July 4, 2007 when they signed Torres for £26.5 million from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish international had been one of the most talked about forwards in the game and despite repeated approaches from Premiership and Liga clubs he remained loyal to boyhood club Atletico Madrid for twelve-years, six as a professional, making 214 appearances and scoring 82 goals.

The Spanish club snapped him up at the age of 11 after he netted 55 goals in his first season at amateur side Rayo 13. He signed his first professional contract in 1999 but he had to wait until May 27, 2001 to make his debut against Leganes. He scored his first goal the following week against Albacete. He was captain of Atletico Madrid before he departed.

Torres was top scorer and player of the tournament in the 2001 European Under-16 Championships and 2002 European U19 Championships, both of which Spain won. After progressing through the U21s the youngster made his full debut in a friendly with Portugal on September 6, 2003. The following April he scored his first international goal against Italy. He represented Spain in the 2006 World Cup but he is yet to prove himself on the senior international stage and is accused of needing too many chances to score a goal by critics in his homeland.

Nicknamed El Nino (The Child), his brand of speedy forward play is always a joy to watch and his physical stature should suit the Premiership well.