Paul Hassall 06 January 2009
Fernando Torres has revealed his delight at scoring his first ever FA Cup goal and quickly dedicated the strike to skipper Steven Gerrard.
The Spanish hot-shot was keen to pay tribute to the professionalism of the Reds number eight after he provided the assist for Torres to put the seal on the third round victory over Preston with an injury-time effort.
"I was pleased to score for the team and for the fans because it guaranteed the result and took us into the next round," said Torres.
"I might have scored the goal but it was created by Stevie and I would like to dedicate my goal to him.
"He is our captain and he is also a great guy and he has helped me ever since I came to the club and moved to this area.
"Everyone at Liverpool is behind him."
Torres made his first appearance for the Reds since their Champions League win over Marseille in late November when he replaced Robbie Keane after 73 minutes of the clash at Deepdale.
He admits it was a frustrating to be sidelined with a hamstring injury for so long but praised the support of both his teammates and the fans for helping him through it.
"I am very pleased to be back in the team," he added. "I have been very frustrated at not being able to play but the lads have been in great form and the results they have achieved have kept my spirits up.
"The relationship I have with the fans is special. I know that.
"When I was injured to hear them still singing their song was special. I could hear it on the TV when I was at home. It's fantastic."
Fernando Torres has revealed his delight at scoring his first ever FA Cup goal and quickly dedicated the strike to skipper Steven Gerrard.
The Spanish hot-shot was keen to pay tribute to the professionalism of the Reds number eight after he provided the assist for Torres to put the seal on the third round victory over Preston with an injury-time effort.
"I was pleased to score for the team and for the fans because it guaranteed the result and took us into the next round," said Torres.
"I might have scored the goal but it was created by Stevie and I would like to dedicate my goal to him.
"He is our captain and he is also a great guy and he has helped me ever since I came to the club and moved to this area.
"Everyone at Liverpool is behind him."
Torres made his first appearance for the Reds since their Champions League win over Marseille in late November when he replaced Robbie Keane after 73 minutes of the clash at Deepdale.
He admits it was a frustrating to be sidelined with a hamstring injury for so long but praised the support of both his teammates and the fans for helping him through it.
"I am very pleased to be back in the team," he added. "I have been very frustrated at not being able to play but the lads have been in great form and the results they have achieved have kept my spirits up.
"The relationship I have with the fans is special. I know that.
"When I was injured to hear them still singing their song was special. I could hear it on the TV when I was at home. It's fantastic."