Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was last night named in third place in the FIFA World Player of the Year 2008 awards.
Reds skipper Steven Gerrard was also named in the awards ceremony, finishing in sixth place.
Manchester United’s Christiano Ronaldo was crowned World Player of the Year 2008, with Barcelona‘s Lionel Messi finishing runner-up.
AC Milan‘s Kaka finished fourth and Barcelona‘s midfield maestro Xavi finished one place ahead of Gerrard, in fifth.
2008 also saw Torres help his country to European Championship glory, scoring the winning goal in the final as Spain beat Germany 1-0 in Austria.
The prolific striker, who has just returned from a lengthly lay-off through injury, felt pride at being named amongst the best players in the world.
He said, “Ronaldo and Messi are for sure the two best players in the world and to come next to them is a privilege.
“The very fact of being here is a reason to be proud to represent my club and my country. It’s a matter of pride to have two Spaniards amongst this group.”
