Euro 2012: Pepe Reina backs Fernando Torres to shine for Spain

Pepe Reina believes the European championship could be Fernando Torres’ time to sparkle on the big stage after a disappointing season with Chelsea.

The 28-year-old striker went almost five months without a goal for the Blues last term in his first full season at Stamford Bridge since his £50m switch from Liverpool.

Torres, who managed 11 goals in 50 appearances for the Londoners, looked to be regaining his form in front of goal towards the end of the campaign but was left on the bench for Chelsea’s FA Cup and Champions League finals.

But Liverpool goalkeeper Reina says his former club team-mate is looking sharp in training and is tipping him to sparkle in Poland and Ukraine.

“It might be his tournament,” Reina told AS. “He is playing at a very high level and in training he is very switched on.”

And looking ahead to Spain’s Group C opener against Italy on Sunday, Reina added: “I have always had great respect for Italy.

“They have a top-quality midfield and Andrea Pirlo is a player who is essential to Italy. Their whole game goes through him.”

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