TORRES: THAT WAS FOR YOU RAFA

Steve Hunter 25 February 2008
Fernando Torres reflected on his first hat-trick in the Premier League and dedicated his fantastic treble to Rafa Benitez.
The Spanish hit-man took his tally to 21 goals for the season in the 3-2 win over Middlesbrough and was full of praise for the manager that brought him into the Premier League.

"You cannot score three goals in a game without the help of your manager and your team-mates so I would like to thank them," said Torres.

"The manager signed me for Liverpool so I am really grateful for that, and he also works with me all the time trying to improve me and make me a better player.

"I think my game has already improved and will continue to improve under Rafa Benitez. The most important thing is that the team is successful, that is the only thing that matters.

"If I score some goals that help us to win things then I will be very happy, but it is all about the team.

"I came here to win things because I have never won anything as a senior player. I won medals when I was an under-16 and an under-19 player but that was a long time ago.

"Hopefully we will win something this season but if that does not happen then next season.

"I have signed a six-year contract so I am here for a long time and if things go well hopefully I will be here for even longer.

"I have 21 goals this season and that pleases me because it is my best season yet but I am not thinking about scoring 30 because what makes me most happy is when the team wins, not when I score."

The striker also revealed how special the feeling was for him to complete his hat-trick in front of the Kop.

"That made it even more special for me because the Kop is such a special place and it means so much to everyone associated with Liverpool Football Club," added El Nino.

"The fans have been fantastic with me since I first came to the club and I would like to thank them because their support has been a big help.

"Now everyone at the club has to focus on trying to finish in the top four so the win against Middlesbrough was a very important result for us."