Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he and his fellow Spanish Reds will be ready and excited for the new season, despite a long summer of football.

Liverpool’s Spanish contingent of Torres, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina are all in South Africa for their country in the FIFA Confederations Cup, with the Reds’ pre-season preparations beginning next month.

But although, after a long 2008/09 season which saw the Reds put up a title challenge to Manchester Utd, Torres and co. haven’t stopped since last summer.

However, the 25-year-old former Athletico Madrid forward says they’ll have enough time to rest before football takes over once again.

He says, “After our holidays are over we have to join up with the team for Liverpool’s Asian tour.

“We can’t wait for the tournament to end so that we can go on holiday, with the Cup, so as to get some rest. We will return for the new season with plenty of energy as it is going to be an exciting season for Liverpool and also for Spain, as there is a World Cup at the end.”