Liverpool striker Fernando Torres fears playing in the Premier League could damage his health for life.

The 26-year-old, in his third season at Anfield following a move from Atletico Madrid, is currently sidelined with a knee surgery and battling to be fit to represent Spain at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

"The Premier League is such a tough competition, and I have always admired this championship and the players who are here," he is quoted as saying in the News Of The World.

I just can't imagine what state I'll be in within five or six years if I continue to play here - it could easily give me problems when I stop playing.
Fernando Torres on the physical demands of playing in England

"This is my third season and I'm still amazed to see [Steven] Gerrard, [Wayne] Rooney and [Frank] Lampard, players who have been here a long time, still playing at such a high level and with such impressive rhythm because the English league really wears down a player.

"I just can't imagine what state I'll be in within five or six years if I continue to play here - it could easily give me problems when I stop playing. The physical level is superior to all other countries," he said.