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HarperCollins has snapped up Liverpool and Spain striker Fernando Torres in a two-book deal.
Jonathan Taylor, non-fiction publishing director, bought world rights excluding Spain from David Luxton from Luxton Harris for an undisclosed sum. Torres signed the deal at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Liverpool last week with HarperCollins editorial director Tom Whiting.
On signing the deal, Torres said: "It is a very special time in my life. Much has happened to me in these past few years. As a Spanish footballer playing in the most exciting league in the world, I'm really looking forward to this new challenge of sharing my experiences." The first book in the deal will be published in the autumn. Whiting said: "It's an illustrated narrative celebration of a remarkable two years on Merseyside, alongside snapshots from his early career in Spain. Framed within 25 pivotal themes in the life of Torres, it will offer a unique window on the former Atlético Madrid wonderkid's world, on and off the pitch, and an insight into what inspires him and what motivates him."
The book will be written by Spanish journalist Antonio Sanz and translated into English by Guardian Spanish-football journalist Sid Lowe. The schedule and content for the second title is currently unconfirmed. The 25-year-old Spanish international signed from Atlético Madrid in July 2007, for a fee of around £26.5m. The number nine has scored 49 goals in 82 games in his two seasons at Liverpool. Torres also scored the winning goal in the 2008 European Championship final against Germany.
HarperCollins' Taylor said: "Liverpool players have a fantastic track record in terms of book sales. You only have to look at the success of titles by Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler. He's made a huge impact in two seasons and seems on the cusp of becoming one of Liverpool's greats."