Fernando Torres won the World Cup with Spain while with Liverpool and has transformed his image since retiring from football

Fernando Torres was both the hero and villain for Liverpool fans throughout his illustrious career.

The former Spain striker was beloved during his time at Anfield after signing for the Reds from Atletico Madrid in 2007, scoring 81 goals in 142 games in a three and a half year spell with the Reds.

But a £50m move to Chelsea in January 2011 made him public enemy number one among Liverpool supporters, leaving the club after the turmoil of Hicks and Gillett’s ownership and subsequent sale to Fenway Sports Group.

He’d later return to Atletico Madrid before retiring after a stint in Japan, while building bridges with Liverpool fans with an appearance in a friendly at Anfiield in 2015 and returns since as manager of Atletico Madrid’s youth team.

And in that time during retirement, Torres has undergone another transformation, bulking up considerably after putting in the hours in the gym.

Here’s a look at Torres’ long career from skinny teenager to strongman manager – as well as Liverpool hero, to villain and back again.

Youth teams

Euro 2004

International honours

First full season

Becoming a Red

First pre-season with LFC

First hat-trick

Putting United to the sword

World Cup glory

Body 2023

Fernando Torres begins his coaching career