Torres Liverpool's Sports Personality of the Year

Fernando Torres was celebrating last night after becoming the first man since Kenny Dalglish to retain his crown as the Liverpool Echo Sports Personality of the Year.

 Fernando Torres with coach Rafa Benitez

The Reds striker held off competition from the likes of team-mate Steven Gerrard and Everton pair Louis Saha and Tim Howard to lift the gong and emulate King Kenny's feat back in 1979 and 1980.

"I'm really, really proud," said Torres. "This award means a lot to me. It's the second year I have won it and I have to say 'thank you' for giving me the opportunity.

"To get to 50 goals was a very proud moment. Liverpool is a team with one of the most successful histories in the world. It is not the same to break records at other clubs.

"In the past, Liverpool have had fantastic strikers so, for me, it is really important that I have beaten them."

The Spain international was recognised for the goalscoring feats that saw him become the fastest player in Liverpool history to net 50 league goals.

The record-breaking effort came in December's 1-0 victory at Aston Villa, although the forward has no doubt as to which strike he rates as his best so far.

"I received a lot of texts from Liverpool players, my team-mates, people in Spain who were aware of the record," said Torres. "It was really important but it was more important because we beat Aston Villa.

"The goal against Blackburn was very good, especially as it was a few days before the Hillsborough Anniversary. The goal was for the victims and the families. It was an important moment.

"I enjoyed the goal against Real Madrid, too but maybe the best one was Blackburn."

International commitments with Spain prevented Torres collecting the award in person but, via a video link, he reiterated his desire to remain on Merseyside and help fire the Reds into next season's Champions League.

"The people have been kind here to me since the first day," he said. "I feel here like I do at home. I can go to any part of the city and receive kind words.

"I get on well with Evertonians, too. It's strange for me, as in Madrid football is the most important thing in the city and Real Madrid fans were not the best with me.

"So it was a big surprise that I can talk with Everton fans about everything. They respect me and I respect them.

"I've only played 20 games and I'm desperate to help the team. I hope to score as many goals as possible until the end of the season."

As seen on liverpoolfc.tv 
Watch the video of Torres receiving the Award and an interview with the striker here.