Torres fears chronic long-term injuries in England

London, Apr 25 (ANI): Liverpool's ace striker Fernando Torres fears having to live with the effects of chronic long-term injuries if he stays in the Premier League much longer.

Torres, who scored 18 goals in 22 league games this term, can't believe how players like teammate Steven Gerrard and other experienced stars like Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney have coped with the physical demands of English football for so long.

"he Premier League is such a tough competition and I have always admired this championship and the players who are here," News of the World quoted him, as saying.

"This is my third season and I' still amazed to see Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard, players who have been here a long time, still playing at such a high level and with such impressive rhythm because the English league really wears down a player.

"I just can't imagine what state I'll be in within five or six years if I continue to play here - it could easily give me problems when I stop playing. The physical level is superior to all other countries," News of the World quoted him, as saying.

The former Atletico Madrid striker is fancied to leave Anfield this summer if Liverpool fails to finish in the top four and deny him the chance of Champions League football next season.

They are all but out of the race and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has already talked up the prospect of bringing the Spaniard to Eastlands.

But Torres believes Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's ruthless streak has improved him as a player - despite the team falling far short of their usual standards this year.

He admitted that even his best performances for the Reds have not always been enough to satisfy the Anfield chief. (ANI)