Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has declared that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is the best footballer he has played with.

The forward, who has also played for Chelsea, AC Milan and Spain, named the former England international as the player he would most like to have in his team.

"I have had the luck to play with a lot of great footballers. For me, the best is and has been Gerrard," Torres told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"I would chose him above all if I had to have him in my team, if I had him behind me. Steven Gerrard is the best player I have played with throughout my career, therefore my ideal player would be very like him."

Torres played alongside Gerrard at Liverpool between 2007 and 2011 before leaving the club for Chelsea.