Having made the announcement on Friday, the 35-year-old held a press conference overnight in which he explained the reasons for his retirement and looked back over his achievements in the game.
Torres, of course, spent three-and-a-half seasons with the Reds – scoring 81 goals in 142 appearances – and developed a prolific partnership with Gerrard, who operated just behind the Spaniard in a fine Rafael Benitez team.
Such was the connection between the two, Gerrard remains at the top of a stellar list of players Torres linked up with for club and country.
“I always say the best player I played with is Steven Gerrard,” he said. “I found he was the player who completed my game. I think my level got into a different dimension when I was on the pitch with him.
“It was an amazing three-and-a-half years playing alongside Steven and I would love to go back to those days – even for one minute.”
Torres confirmed his professional career will conclude on August 23, when his current side, Sagan Tosu, face Vissel Kobe in the Japanese top flight.
“I have a high demand for myself,” said the striker, who has also represented Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and AC Milan.
“I’ve always wanted to be honest and to perform at the level I think I should and I think the time I will not be able to perform at the level I ask for myself is not far away and I don’t want to arrive at the time that I am going on the pitch and I’m not enjoying it.
“I want to put an end before that happens. Knowing my body and listening to my body, I think especially mentally that time is not far away and I want to finish my career in a good way before that happens.”