NewsFernando Torres interview: LFC Legends debut, Anfield and Steven Gerrard connection
Fernando Torres feels the best memories of his career will all come flooding back this weekend when he returns to Anfield to represent Liverpool FC Legends.
The Spaniard will make his first appearance for the star-studded collection of former Reds in Saturday's clash with AFC Ajax Legends for the annual LFC Foundation charity match, presented by AXA, the club's official training partner.
The occasion – also brought to you in association with Forever Reds – has been a long time coming for El Niño, who last graced the sacred turf in L4 back in 2015.
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"Honestly, I can't wait," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "It's been a long time and I'm really looking forward to it.
"I'm really looking forward to going back to the city and the stadium and meet the supporters and see many of my old teammates and remember old times, happy times. I can't wait to wear the Liverpool shirt again in front of the Kop. A lot of memories, so I'm looking forward to it.
"I've been lucky enough to be invited many times from the foundation to play that match. But for different reasons, I couldn't go. And now that I'm coaching, it's more difficult to find gaps in the calendar to be able to go. I could manage to go this time.
"It's a great job the LFC Foundation are doing to help many people. That's the main reason to go – to help. And for me to play back at Anfield is also very special. A lot of memories, probably for my best years playing football. It's a special place, so I can't wait to go there."
Torres called Anfield home for three-and-a-half seasons after arriving from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007.
The stadium has undergone quite the enhancement since the 40-year-old last played there, with the redevelopment of two stands taking the current overall capacity to around 60,000.
"I'm sure Anfield has changed, the shape, but the heart is the same," Torres said. "I'm sure the connection from the fans to the team is the same. It's a special place, special people.
"It doesn't matter how much Anfield can change but I'm sure the feeling, the spirit is still the same, or even bigger because the club has been doing great. I'm sure everyone's really enjoying Anfield like always."
A number of Torres' former Liverpool teammates are part of the squad that will be led by the management team of Sven-Goran Eriksson, Ian Rush, John Barnes and John Aldridge.
In particular, Torres is excited at the potential to reignite the seemingly telepathic relationship he had with Steven Gerrard that dismantled countless opposition defences.
He finished: "Hopefully! When I saw that Stevie was coming I just texted him. It's an extra motivation.
"To play with Stevie was special for me. He changed my game, he made me a better player. It was an absolute joy to play alongside him and I've missed playing with him every single day since we didn't play together.
"Let's see if we still have that connection. I'm sure we will. But I don't know how many times I can run into the space right now! It's up to him! He has this special pass, so I'll try my best. To play with Stevie at Anfield is even more special."