El Nino was an instant hit in England as his brand of speedy forward play and physical stature perfectly suited the Premiership. By the end of his debut season, 2007/08, he had scored 33 goals in all competitions - 24 in the Premier League.
On 4 May 2008, Torres equalled Roger Hunt's club record of scoring in eight consecutive games with his 57th minute winner against Manchester City. His 24th goal of the Premier League season came against Tottenham and set a new record as most prolific foreign goal scorer in a debut season, beating Ruud van Nistelrooy's 23 goals.
The Spanish international capped his record-breaking season by winning Euro 2008 as La Roja won their first major trophy since 1964. He scored twice in five games.
Torres began his career at Atletico Madrid and despite repeated approaches from Premiership and Liga clubs he remained loyal to his boyhood club for twelve-years, six as a professional, making 214 appearances and scoring 82 goals.
The Spanish club snapped him up at the age of 11 after he netted 55 goals in his first season at amateur side Rayo 13.
He signed his first professional contract in 1999 but he had to wait until May 27, 2001 to make his debut against Leganes. He scored his first goal the following week against Albacete.
He was captain of Atletico Madrid before he departed.
Torres was top scorer and player of the tournament in the 2001 European Under-16 Championships and 2002 European U19 Championships, both of which Spain won.
After progressing through the U21s the youngster made his full debut in a friendly with Portugal on September 6, 2003. The following April he scored his first international goal against Italy and represented Spain in the 2006 World Cup.
He was criticised in Spain of needing too many chances to score a goal - but those detractors have now been left red faced.
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