El Nino - Our Very Own Honorary Scouser
Fernando Torres was born in Spain on the 20th March 1984 and had an interest in football from a very early age. As a youngster at school he became, as young boys do interested in football and decided to support his local team Atletico. In 1995 he went with his father and Grandfather to his first game and decided there and then that he would love to play for them as he got older.
Fernando was by then making a name for himself and several months later was asked by Atletico to go for a trial with them. This was going to take place in Las Aguilas which was in the south of the city. As with most children, if there is a trial or audition involved the parents ensure that they arrive early. This happened to Fernando but thankfully the time passed quickly.
The Trial itself consisted of a game of football that was only forty minutes in length. Fernando was lucky, he was having a good day and scored a couple of goals - something of which was to become his trademark. They were told that those that passed the trial would be put onto a list, which would be displayed at in Mid August. The Torres family was on holiday at the time but his father made a point of ringing the club and received the good news that his son was the way to becoming the footballer he is today.
The second trail came and went and Fernando signed his youth papers for Atletico Madrid at the age of eleven. He enjoyed many years in the youth team set up before making the transition to the first team. This happened towards the end of the 2000-2001 season when he went on for the final twenty minutes of their game against Leganes. Very soon, he was making his name in the first team and soon became captain. It was during the game against Real Sociedad that his captain's armband fell down the words that were written on the inside became visible. They were We'll Never Walk Alone. Little did Fernando know that they would soon become part of his life?
His life in Madrid changed, as he became more and more well known, he felt as though he was beginning to live a goldfish like existence. He could not go out anywhere, or do the things that a normal young man who is growing up loves to do. He was recognized wherever he went and constantly asked for autographs, so much so that he ended spending most of the time at home. It was during one of these periods that he received several calls on his mobile phone. The first of which he ignored, the second curiosity took over and on answering it, he instantly realised that he was talking to Rafa Benitez. Several conversations later and after a visit to Merseyside, he became a Liverpool player.
He was bought from Atletico Madrid for £20 million pounds and has proved to worth every penny. His goal tally has been fantastic for us and although injured for part of last season, helped us reach second place in the Premiership. This season he unfortunately succumbed to injury whilst playing in an international match. Since that point in time, Fernando has only managed to play in a couple of games, the most memorable of which was the Manchester United game. That afternoon was magical and he did what only he can do - scored a wonderful goal and put us into the lead.
It has emerged in the last few days that Manchester City and their money men are thinking about putting a bid in for him. Fernando himself has come out and said that he is not interested in moving out of the Liverpool Area. He has said that he has now made his home in Liverpool and feels as though he is a scouser. I can fully understand that, although I have a Liverpudlian father he choose to make him home down south, something to be honest I have never really forgiven him for. As a child I was taught all about Liverpool and its people and the traditions that they held. As I grew up, I began to visit the city more and more and noticed what a wonderful place it was. It was during one of these visits that I suddenly realised it was my home. I have remained down south due to family commitments but that will I hope change very soon. I love the feeling when I arrive at Lime Street and hate the tears that stream down my face as I leave.
Fernando has said that he hopes to live in the City for a very long time and he wants his family to feel as though they are all Liverpudlians. He has now reached the point where along with picking up English words, he is also picking up the Scouse equivalent.
He became a father earlier this year and has said that he hopes not only that his daughter learns to speak English but he wants her to have a Scouse accent.
Fernando also likes the freedom that he has, after all the pressure of living in Spain. He is able to go shopping in the city centre and walk along the Albert Dock without being hassled too much. If people do stop him, they are polite, ask him about himself and his family along with Liverpool. One of the things he finds amazing is that even Everton fans have a respect for him, which is totally different to the way he was treated in Spain.
What I will say is Fernando welcome to the greatest city in the world. They are most the friendliest people that you will find and I hope to join them soon. I am sure your daughter will enjoy her upbringing and learn a lot about the heritage that her adopted city holds. You are an honorary Scouser and we are proud to have you amongst us.
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One of the best! Glad he's on our side.
He is the best. He'll be on our side for many years to come and he'll score a lot more goals too. I hope he'll win titles with us too
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