Fernando Torres has thanked his former boss Rafa Benitez for helping him achieve a great level in his career.

There were several doubters about Torres’ ability as a striker when he was at Atletico Madrid. After all, the striker did not average even a goal every other game during his time at the Spanish club. However, Benitez put his faith on the youngster and signed him from Atletico for around £ 20 million in 2007. Torres went on to become one of the greatest strikers to have played for Liverpool in a short period of four years.

The striker went on to join clubs like Chelsea and AC Milan before now returning to Atletico – the place where he started his career. Torres still remains confident of reclaiming the glory days despite not having scored freely enough in the last six years. Ever since the 2010 World Cup, he has struggled with lack of form and fitness. Diego Simeone appeared to have briefly revived his form when he joined from Milan on an 18-month loan spell. However, that form has deserted him and Torres finds himself with just four goals in 28 appearances this season even though most of them have come as a substitute.

The 81 goals scored in 142 games for Liverpool remains the best ever record for Torres in his career.“They have been very important people for me in different times. With Benitez I reached a level I perhaps never dreamed of.With Simeone I have had the opportunity to return to my club and relive very emotional moments, and I think the best is still to come.My future is to win here, at Atleti. It’s something I have not done yet.At the moment I have the good fortune to play where I want. I do not know until when, but I want to enjoy every game,” said Torres.