FERNANDO TORRES has hailed Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the best player he ever played with after announcing his retirement from the game.

The Spaniard spent three-and-a-half years with Gerrard at Anfield and developed a clinical partnership as he scored 81 times in 142 outings.

Torres is now set to hang up his boots later this summer and he will always fondly remember his time playing alongside the current Rangers boss.

“I always say the best player I played with is Steven Gerrard,” Torres said. “I found he was the player who completed my game.

"I think my level got into a different dimension when I was on the pitch with him.

“It was an amazing three-and-a-half years playing alongside Steven and I would love to go back to those days – even for one minute.”

Torres also turned out for Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan during a glittering career at the top of the European game.

His final match will be in August when when his he turns out for Japanese side Sagan Tosu against Vissel Kobe.

“I have a high demand for myself,” Torres said. “I’ve always wanted to be honest and to perform at the level I think I should and I think the time I will not be able to perform at the level I ask for myself is not far away and I don’t want to arrive at the time that I am going on the pitch and I’m not enjoying it.

“I want to put an end before that happens. Knowing my body and listening to my body, I think especially mentally that time is not far away and I want to finish my career in a good way before that happens.”