The Spain striker scored the goal against Germany in Vienna which decided the Euro 2008 final.

It secured Spain's first title in 44 years and the first major honour for Torres in his career.

Liverpool have been basking in the reflected glory of their Spanish contingent, and the part Torres played in Sunday night's triumph.

His winner means Torres has scored 36 goals for club and country in 53 competitive matches since he moved to Anfield last summer.

Liverpool also had Xabi Alonso, Jose Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa in the Spain squad, but it was the contribution of Torres in the final which put him in the spotlight.

Torres paid tribute to Liverpool and the club's fans for their part in his success story.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: "I have had a wonderful first season at Anfield and the 33 goals I scored for Liverpool gave me the confidence and belief I needed for the European finals.

"And I would like to thank the manager Rafa Benitez and his staff because I have improved as a player thanks to them.

"But it is not just the people at the club who have helped me, it is also the supporters and the people of the city.

"From the moment I first came to Liverpool I have been made to feel welcome and that is why I am able to enjoy my football so much.

"It is incredible. The Liverpool fans have given me so much support and I know that they have even been supporting Spain and this is something I will never forget and I thank everyone for that.

"Now I am looking forward to competing for trophies with Liverpool because I know that means so much to the club and the fans."

Torres, 24, added: "This is a dream come true and now we have a place in European history so it is very special.

"It is my first major title but I hope it will be the first of many because I want to win many more titles with Liverpool and Spain."

Benitez took "pride" in Torres' triumph and the Liverpool boss, overseeing the club's return to pre-season training today, has given the triumphant Spain players an extra three weeks' holiday.

Torres amazingly suffered some heavy criticism from the Spanish media during the tournament, but Benitez was quick to praise Liverpool's record signing.

He said: "I am very proud of Fernando, especially after he has been criticised from some journalists in Spain.

"Everyone in Spain remembers the Marcelino goal from 44 years ago (when Spain were last European champions), and the last final Spain were in was 24 years ago. Now people will talk about Torres in the same way. I am very proud of him and what he has achieved."

Benitez watched the game from his Cheshire home, and said: "Spain played well. For 10 minutes at the start of each half Germany were pressing, but after that Spain controlled the game.

"The first goal changed the game. After that Metzelder pushed forward and Torres was left one versus one. Spain could play on the counter and that was important.

"They had three or four players in the middle with real quality and played good football."

Benitez will move in the next few days to sort out the future of midfielder Alonso, who has been on the verge of a move to Juventus since before Euro 2008.

Many Liverpool fans have questioned the wisdom of selling a player who has been a European champion with club and country, but Benitez may have to offload before being able to complete the move for Gareth Barry, with Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill confirming that an £18million fee will secure the midfielder.