Fernando Torres confirms retirement from football

Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Atlético Madrid forward Fernando Torres has announced an end to his 18-year playing career after making over 600 appearances for club and country.

The 35-year old, who won 110 caps for Spain scoring 38 goals, confirmed the news on his social media:

“I have something very important to announce. After 18 exciting years, the time has come to put an end to my football career.

Next Sunday, the 23rd at 10:00AM, local time in Japan, I will have a press conference in Tokyo to explain all the details. See you there.”

At the peak of his powers, the Spaniard was considered to be one of the most devastating and clinical finishers in world football. Starting his career at Atletico Madrid, Torres came to England with an ever-growing reputation; joining Liverpool in 2007, he registered 81 goals in 142 games and was a major success on Merseyside.

In 2011, the striker completed a surprise move to Chelsea for an undisclosed fee reported to be in the region of £50 million pounds. Whilst the striker endured a much more turbulent time at Stamford Bridge, with the form and confidence patchy, the Madrid born star came up with some vital goals for the Blues including the infamous semi-final winner against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Despite never reaching the heights he once set at Liverpool, Torres won the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League during his four-year stay at the Blues.

Perhaps Fernando Torres’ greatest success came on the international scene where he won back to back European Championships, netting in both finals. He was also a key figure in arguably Spain’s greatest triumph, winning the World Cup in 2010.

Torres finished his playing days in China, where he joined J League side Sagan Tosu just under a year ago and has played 28 games for the Japanese outfit scoring three goals.