Fernando Torres has revealed that Steven Gerrard is "the best player I've ever played with" ahead of the Anfield All-Star charity match on Sunday.
The 30-year-old – now back at hometown club Atletico Madrid – spent four successful seasons leading Liverpool's attack alongside the midfielder between 2007 and 2011, and he admits no-one can surpass his former colleague.
"I'm looking forward to playing with some of my colleagues again, especially Stevie [Gerrard]. I'm sure that it'll be a great day for him," the striker said on his official website.
"I'm also looking forward to seeing the Liverpool fans again. I've returned [to Anfield] several times as a rival, but this time I'll be there with the home team. It's going to be a very exciting day for me.
"Of course I'm looking forward to playing with Luis Suarez. I saw what he did at Liverpool and it was amazing, just amazing.
"Luis is a good friend of mine, we have a good friendship. We were together for two days at Melwood when I was leaving [for Chelsea] and he had just joined [from Ajax].
"We became friends and still keep in touch. It'll be great to play alongside him, especially with Stevie behind us.
"What the media said about my relationship with the Liverpool fans wasn't true. They've always received me very well [even as a rival] and thanked me for everything I did [for them].
"For me, they'll always be special. I probably spent the best time of my career wearing [the Liverpool] jersey and all my memories [with them] are good ones.
"I can't wait to play with Gerrard again. I always wanted the chance to play with him one last time and I'm sure he'll enjoy it.
"I've said many times that Gerrard is the best player I've ever played with. He changed my game and made me more motivated and ambitious.
"He made me feel as if I could do whatever I wanted. For me, he'll always be the best."
