Torres ready to end Liverpool's title drought
Sunday, 10 August 2008
LIVERPOOL, Aug 9(AFP): Fernando Torres had only been a European champion for a matter of hours when the Liverpool star consigned Spain's triumph to the history books and turned his attention to Anfield's own trophy drought.
Torres's typically clinical finish against Germany in Vienna sealed Spain's first international trophy for 44 years and capped a memorable season for the striker.
His stunning debut campaign with Liverpool had provided the perfect response to critics who questioned his ability to prosper at the highest level, and now he was the golden boy of Spanish football as well.
It was the first major medal of Torres's career but the 24-year-old isn't one to rest on his laurels.
With Spain's ghosts laid to rest, he set his sights on ending Liverpool's 18-year wait to win the English title.
"This is my first title and I hope it's the first of many," he said in the immediate aftermath of the Euro 2008 final.
After spending over a decade watching arch rivals Manchester United move to within one title of Liverpool's record 18 English championships, the Anfield faithful are growing increasingly restless.
Rafa Benitez has restored the club's reputation as serious contenders in Europe, but the title has remained out of reach.
There wasn't even the hint of a serious challenge last season and Torres, who signed for 21 million pounds from Atletico Madrid in 2007, knows bridging the gap to United and Chelsea must be their primary goal this year.
Torres's typically clinical finish against Germany in Vienna sealed Spain's first international trophy for 44 years and capped a memorable season for the striker.
His stunning debut campaign with Liverpool had provided the perfect response to critics who questioned his ability to prosper at the highest level, and now he was the golden boy of Spanish football as well.
It was the first major medal of Torres's career but the 24-year-old isn't one to rest on his laurels.
With Spain's ghosts laid to rest, he set his sights on ending Liverpool's 18-year wait to win the English title.
"This is my first title and I hope it's the first of many," he said in the immediate aftermath of the Euro 2008 final.
After spending over a decade watching arch rivals Manchester United move to within one title of Liverpool's record 18 English championships, the Anfield faithful are growing increasingly restless.
Rafa Benitez has restored the club's reputation as serious contenders in Europe, but the title has remained out of reach.
There wasn't even the hint of a serious challenge last season and Torres, who signed for 21 million pounds from Atletico Madrid in 2007, knows bridging the gap to United and Chelsea must be their primary goal this year.