From local Madrid idol to Kop hero and European Championship winner, one of soccer's hottest properties talks about the unique challenges faced in his two years in England, with candid snapshots of his life on and off the field
At the age of 25, Spain’s Fernando Torres has already established himself as one of the Liverpool greats and a proud wearer of the fabled No. 9 shirt. His first book tells the captivating story of his career to date. Nicknamed "El Nino" (The Kid), Torres opens up about life on the streets beside Atletico’s Vicente Calderon stadium, signing for the club at 15, and appointed club captain by 19. When Liverpool broke their club transfer record to bring Torres to Anfield in 2007, it proved the turning point in his career. Competing in the goldfish bowl of the English Premier League, playing alongside Liverpool heroes like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and in the company of Spanish teammates Pepe Reina, Xavi Alonso, and Albert Rieira, and performing in front of the Kop who quickly adopted him as one of their own, Torres describes what it means to him to play on one of the greatest stages in world soccer and compares and contrasts life in Spain with his new career in England. Torres also discusses his life out of the spotlight with his childhood sweetheart Olalla, his family and friends, and what inspires and motivates him.
I've been a fan of Fernando Torres for many years now -by far my favorite footballer- but this book is simply a real treat from a great guy. In it, Torres comes off as just an ordinary person who happens to play football because he loves it, and is really good at it too. He's a very down to earth, unassuming and friendly person. And since most of us will never actually meet him in person, he is willing to let you peek in his life as if you were having a coffee or beer with him. He takes his work very responsibly and knows fully well that he is indebted to his fans which explains I believe why he wrote this book.
This is one of those books you can leave on the coffee table. So make sure to get the hardcover edition. Hundreds of illustrations in a thick 300 pages book through snapshots of Torres' life. Like a scrapbook replete with different little stories. But beware. Although it is very informative, this is not a full-fledged autobiography from year one and so on. If you're looking for a chronological life of Torres, turn to the excellent book Torres by Luca Caioli (Ian Cruise's Liverpool number 9 is a little too dry and boring for me).
Well worth the price. A beautiful gift for any fan of Fernando Torres.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Torres: El Nino: My Story (Paperback)
torres is such a great player i been a fan since his days in atletico .... this book is so simple yet moving it shows how one team has so much history and how talent can get you to a club like that best soccer book i hve ever read
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Torres: El Nino: My Story (Paperback)
This book will be entertaining for any Liverpool or Fernando Torres fan. He seems very grounded and humble, and the book gives us a glimpse into his past. There are nice photos, and he concentrates much more on Liverpool than the Spanish NT. He kind of skips around chronologically, but it's very easy to follow.
The book is rather short and the writing is very simple, but it's worth a read.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
