Fernando Torres Got Swole

It’s been a slow news day, but even if it wasn’t, Fernando Torres’s new look would probably warrant a story. The former Liverpool striker, who recently became the manager of Atletico Madrid B, released a video announcing a branding partnership. And for fans who remember the Torres of old, it’s something else.

Most footballers retire from the game and then rightfully take a break from the rigorous training and strict diet necessary to stay in top physical condition. Fernando Torres went another route. Eighteen months after ending his career, he returned to Spain and opened a chain of gyms called NineFitness, whose website is, well, a little intimidating.

And credit where it’s due, the man is still definitely dedicated to the work of working out.

That is not the quick, lithe center forward that we all remember from his days partnered with Steven Gerrard at the heart of Liverpool’s offense. On the other hand, the Reds and Jürgen Klopp are in the market for another defender.

In any case, good for Torres, retiring to live his swole truth. Even if I imagine some of those arm tattoos of his are looking a little stretched as a result.