FERNANDO: WE'LL RETURN FRESH

Jimmy Rice 23 June 2009

Fernando Torres has assured Liverpool fans he and his fellow Spaniards will return to Anfield fresh and ready to aid another title assault in 2009-10 despite their Confederations Cup antics.

Torres has featured in all three of Spain's fixtures so far in South Africa, while Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina have also played prominent roles to help set up Wednesday's semi-final with the USA. Rafa Benitez will allow his countrymen extra time to recuperate before they join up with their clubmates for the pre-season tour of Asia. Kopites are hoping Torres in particular comes back feeling 100 per cent after an injury-hit 2008-09. "After our holidays are over we have to join up with the team for Liverpool's Asian tour," said our No.9. "We can't wait for the tournament to end so that we can go on holiday, with the Cup, so as to get some rest. We will return for the new season with plenty of energy as it is going to be an exciting season for Liverpool and also for Spain, as there is a World Cup at the end." Victory on Wednesday night could set up a dream final of Spain versus Brazil. Torres added: "It's not the same playing against Brazil as it is playing against any other team. "They are currently playing well, scoring goals; they have great players and this may well help give the tournament the importance it deserves. "A Spain-Brazil final would be a match the whole world would like to see and a match that everyone would want to play in. I'm sure it would be a game full of good football." One of the most controversial elements of this summer's tournament has been the sound emanating from the stands, with fans playing their distinctive vuvuzela throughout matches. Torres, though, has been overwhelmed by the support he has encountered for both his club and country. "Since arriving, I have seen a lot of people with Liverpool banners and wearing Liverpool shirts with my name on the back," said the 25-year-old, who with three goals is the tournament's joint top scorer alongside strike partner David Villa. "To tell the truth, it came as a surprise because I didn't expect this so far from Spain and England. "I have not grown tired of signing autographs as it's a delight to have so many fans so far from my own country. It's surprising to see how people with just the minimum resources available have more drive and enthusiasm than anyone. The children, for example, come up to you wearing a smile from ear to ear." Meanwhile, the competition has allowed Torres to expand his already-impressive collection of opponents' shirts. He explained: "I've had the opportunity to swap shirts with opponents, and these will all be added to my collection. "I keep them all, but I've yet to find time to put them all on show anywhere. I have all of the shirts from the Premier League and my father has the ones from Spain. "One day I will get them all together, like a museum. I'm sure that I have tops that will bring back plenty of memories. I have swapped shirts with Zidane, Raul, Beckham, Figo, Ronaldinho. I guess that with the passing of time their value will grow."