Torres targets Euro relief

Striker wants a medal to round off a fine season

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 14th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Torres targets Euro relief

Torres: Inspired against Russia

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Fernando Torres is desperate for Euro 2008 success after a season of heartbreak with Liverpool.

The Spain international set the Premier League alight in his debut season, scoring 24 goals as he rewrote the record books on a seemingly weekly basis.

However, a UEFA Champions League semi-final exit to Chelsea and another failed title bid by the Reds ensured that he finished the campaign empty-handed.

He has the opportunity to rectify that in Austria and Switzerland this summer and has carried his domestic form into the international arena.

Torres was in inspired form as he helped Spain to a 4-1 victory over Russia on Tuesday, and admits that he is driven by an insatiable desire for silverware.

Capable

"I have a lot of confidence following this season, but I am desperate to finish with a title," he said in the Daily Mirror.

"It would be a fantastic achievement for Spain and one which I think we are capable of.

"Losing in the Champions League semi-finals was very hard to take. It left me bitter and very disappointed. It is hard to swallow when you think you can get through.

"But I am sure we will come back next season with a stronger squad determined to challenge in the Premier League and in Europe."

Despite the confidence currently flowing through the Spanish camp, Torres is all too aware that his country have flattered to deceive on numerous occasions in the past.

A perfect progression through the group stages at the 2006 World Cup lifted expectations in a nation starved of international success, only to see their heroes crash out in the quarter-finals.

Talent

Torres is determined to ensure that there is no repeat this time around, but admits that it would disastrous should Luis Aragones' men fail to mount a sustained challenge for the trophy.

"It will be a disaster and there will be a massive outcry if we don't do well because there is a lot of expectation on this squad as we have a lot of talent," said the striker.

"We are hopeful that this will be Spain's year. We are a young group of players and are all looking forward to writing a piece of history. We have the talent in the group to do that.

"We have experienced players like (Carles) Puyol, (Sergio) Ramos and Xavi together with younger players like (David) Silva, (Cesc) Fabregas and, of course, (David) Villa in attack.

"If we stay strong then we can win this tournament."