“I got this one with the national team, not in England, but football is like this,” added Torres. “This type of thing happens.

“I have to learn, I have to adapt and protect myself because I think the referees don’t have to protect just three or four players they have to protect all of them. England is a physical league and we have to learn and try to be safe.

“I have to be aware of defenders paying more attention to me. I have to improve and try to play to my strengths.

“Half-way through my first season, the defenders knew me as well. I cannot use that as an excuse. I have to be ready. I know people know me now. I have to try and be a little bit better.”

Despite the bumps and bruises, Torres has no complaints with the behaviour of the defenders in the Premier League.

“Teams in England are very honest because when I was playing in Spain it was not always like that,” he said. “All teams all want to win in any way they can but here in England, players are very honest. It is more physical coming here from the Spanish league but the people are honest.

“In other leagues, it is maybe not as physical but people try to kick with their elbows and things like that. That doesn’t happen in England. The defenders are strong and physical but they are always fighting for the ball.”