Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is excited to be in the reckoning to win the European Footballer of the Year, and claims that winning the Ballon d'Or would be like climbing to the top of Mount Everest and touching the sky.

The Spain international joined the Reds in 2007 summer from Atletico Madrid, and went on to score 33 goals in his debut season for Rafa Benitez's side. The 24-year-old also fired La Furia Roja to Euro 2008 triumph scoring the winner in the final.

"When I have watched the Ballon d'Or presentation on television I saw the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and Kaka," said Torres.

"I told myself that trophy was for players from another galaxy. Now I am among the candidates, and I cannot believe it.

"Winning the award would be like climbing to the top of Everest and touching the sky."

Torres’ team-mate at the club and country, winger Albert Riera believes the award - to be announced in November - should go to El Nino.

Riera, 26, said: "I am doing good things alongside Fernando Torres, who is a partner and a good friend. To me he should win the Ballon d'Or."

Torres will have competition from Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi for the award.