Mar 6 2008
EXCLUSIVE by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
FERNANDO TORRES today told of his pride at becoming the first Liverpool player in more than 60 years to score hat-tricks in successive matches at Anfield.
The Reds top scorer was again in magnificent form as he followed up his recent treble against Middlesbrough with another three-goal salvo in Liverpool's 4-0 win over West Ham.
Jackie Balmer was the last Liverpool player to score hat-tricks in consecutive home games, way back in November 1946.
And Torres was thrilled to have matched his feat.
He said: "I only learned of the record after the game and it is a big honour for me.
“This club has a wonderful history so to be a part of that is very special and it is something I am very proud of.
"But it is also a record for everyone at the club because it would be impossible for me to score goals if it was not for my team-mates, the manager, the coaching staff, everyone."
Torres was afforded a standing ovation by an enthralled Anfield as he was substituted shortly after grabbing his third goal and he admitted the reception left him stunned.
"It was incredible," he said. "The roar from the crowd was fantastic and it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
"I feel really lucky and also humble to be loved by the crowd but what I would say is that I love them also.
"They have supported me since I first came to the club and I want to keep on scoring goals for them.
"The Liverpool fans are special and it is an honour for me to play for them, so if I can make them happy then I will be happy."
Torres was a major doubt on the day of last night's game having been laid low with a bug in the days leading up to it.
But he got off his sick bed to inspire Liverpool to one of their best performances of the season and his display earned him a glowing tribute from manager Rafa Benitez.
He said: "Fernando told me he wanted to play and that was the most important thing. We thought he might not have been able to but he assured me he would be fine and he went onto the pitch and proved it.
"To score hat-tricks in consecutive home games is a fantastic achievement and everyone at the club is very proud of that. Fernando is on fire at the moment."
EXCLUSIVE by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
FERNANDO TORRES today told of his pride at becoming the first Liverpool player in more than 60 years to score hat-tricks in successive matches at Anfield.
The Reds top scorer was again in magnificent form as he followed up his recent treble against Middlesbrough with another three-goal salvo in Liverpool's 4-0 win over West Ham.
Jackie Balmer was the last Liverpool player to score hat-tricks in consecutive home games, way back in November 1946.
And Torres was thrilled to have matched his feat.
He said: "I only learned of the record after the game and it is a big honour for me.
“This club has a wonderful history so to be a part of that is very special and it is something I am very proud of.
"But it is also a record for everyone at the club because it would be impossible for me to score goals if it was not for my team-mates, the manager, the coaching staff, everyone."
Torres was afforded a standing ovation by an enthralled Anfield as he was substituted shortly after grabbing his third goal and he admitted the reception left him stunned.
"It was incredible," he said. "The roar from the crowd was fantastic and it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
"I feel really lucky and also humble to be loved by the crowd but what I would say is that I love them also.
"They have supported me since I first came to the club and I want to keep on scoring goals for them.
"The Liverpool fans are special and it is an honour for me to play for them, so if I can make them happy then I will be happy."
Torres was a major doubt on the day of last night's game having been laid low with a bug in the days leading up to it.
But he got off his sick bed to inspire Liverpool to one of their best performances of the season and his display earned him a glowing tribute from manager Rafa Benitez.
He said: "Fernando told me he wanted to play and that was the most important thing. We thought he might not have been able to but he assured me he would be fine and he went onto the pitch and proved it.
"To score hat-tricks in consecutive home games is a fantastic achievement and everyone at the club is very proud of that. Fernando is on fire at the moment."
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