After a long and storied career, Spanish soccer star Fernando Torres announced on Friday on Twitter that he had made the decision to hang up his cleats.
Torres, who is currently playing for Sagan Tosu in Japan’s J1 League, will give an official press conference on Sunday morning in Tokyo in order to formally announce his decision.
The tributes immediately began to roll in for Torres, who was one of the most prolific strikers during the past two decades in the soccer world. He finishes his career with 260 career goals in 760 matches in his club career, as well as 38 goals in 110 career matches with the Spanish National Team.
Torres began his career with Atlético Madrid, where he was called up and made his debut in 2001. After spending seven seasons there, he then moved to the Premier League, where he spent four seasons with Liverpool and then five seasons with Chelsea.
After a brief 2014 stint at AC Milan, Torres returned to his original team until the end of the 2017-18 season. He then made a brief venture into the world of Japanese soccer, where his career now ends.
Torres finishes his carer with one Champions League title and two Europa League crowns. He also won two European Championships with Spain in 2008 and 2012, and also the 2010 World Cup.
His career won’t soon be forgotten, even as he fades into retirement.
