Fernando Torres is delighted to have joined up with the Spain national side and insists he is fit to play in Wednesday’s friendly international against France.
The Liverpool striker has only recently recovered from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and has made just two appearances for the Reds since suffering from a knee problem.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has expressed concerns in the past about Torres’ international commitments with his country, but the striker insists he is back to full fitness.
“Rafa has enough to deal with, with what he’s got,” Torres said.
“It’s normal that he’s thinking about his interests but he knows that all the players want to go to the national team.
“For us it is an honour to be here, to play as much as possible and to return as fit as possible to our teams.
“Luckily I recovered in time. To be in the national squad is a prize for me.
“I have the good fortune that the coach called me up after playing just two games since I recovered.”
Torres is looking for revenge against France after Les Bleus knocked Spain out of the 2006 World Cup in the second round.
“I’m tired after playing nearly 90 minutes after two months of not doing so,” he said.
“But I’m ready for as much as the coach thinks is right.
“These games are always special for Spain. We can’t wait to play against them, especially after they knocked us out of the last World Cup.
“We always have it in for them.”
