Koke hails influence of Chelsea’s Fernando Torres

Atletico Madrid’s Koke spoke recently about the Premier League’s Fernando Torres, revealing that the Chelsea striker is regarded as inspiration among the Atleti youth. Torres spent his youth career at the Spanish club, and went on to appear 214 times in a Rojiblancos shirt.

In 2007, he made the move to Liverpool before going on to become – and remains so – the most expensive Premier League signing of all time when Chelsea parted with £50 million for him. ‘El Nino’ however, has failed to recapture the form and talent he displayed at the Merseyside club, and most doubt he ever will.

Despite recent disappointing seasons, Torres remains an icon at Atletico Madrid, Koke told Marca.

“He’s a great example for everyone. Everything he’s gone on to achieve fills young players at Atlético with pride,” he said.

“We use him as an example so we can try to achieve our own dreams, both with Atlético and with the national side. I’m doing everything that I can to keep the technical staff happy, and obviously to try and go to Brazil with the national side next summer”

Koke also talked about Atletico’s encounter with Chelsea in last season’s UEFA Super Cup.

“It’s one of the best games that we’ve played. I played from the start and it was a very happy day for me”

The Spanish youngster has provided eight assists for his club so far this season, the second highest in La Liga behind Cesc Fabregas, and was linked with a move to Manchester United and Liverpool during the summer transfer window.

Should the Premier League elite once again come knocking during either January or next summer, Koke may well find himself competing domestically with Torres.