2010 World Cup winner Fernando Torres retires from football
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Fernando Torres has officially retired after playing his final game alongside Andres Iniesta and David Villa. The 35-year-old, who announced that he would be retiring earlier this year, finished his career in Japan after spells all over the world including Liverpool, AC Milan and Chelsea.
The former Atletico Madrid youth product has called time on his career, playing his final game with Japanese side Sagan Tosun. They lost the game 6-1 to Viseel Kobe, a side that featured Torres’ former teammates in David Villa and Andres Iniesta, although the pre-match and post-match revolved around the Spanish striker.
He had already announced on social media in June of this year that he would be retiring at the end of this season, which made the occasion even bigger for everyone on the field. The 35-year-old started his career in Spain before moving to Liverpool, where he made the biggest impact. He would finish his time at Anfield without a trophy but is considered to be a big success.
Things never quite panned out after that, with spells at Chelsea and AC Milan before eventually returning to Atletico Madrid, first via a loan move and then a permanent transfer. He finished his second spell in Spain with the 2018 Europa League trophy before leaving to join Japanese side Sagan Tosun.
“To say goodbye to football next to my dear friend Iniesta is something I could never imagine. Also my friend David Villa, with who I share probably the best moments in Spanish football history. I tried to find an iconic moment to play my final game and I think that is perfect timing,” said the striker in his pre-game interview.
