Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes pressure from Rafael Benitez and inspiration from Steven Gerrard have helped him to become a global superstar and European champion.
The 24-year-old topped off a season during which he scored 33 goals in his debut campaign for the Reds by firing Spain to the Euro 2008 title last weekend.
And he claims manager Benitez's demand for constant improvement has driven him to ever greater heights following last summer's transfer from Atletico Madrid.
"After you score 20, Benitez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week," Torres told Champions magazine.
"I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise.
"We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it."
The Spaniard has also been impressed by his club captain Gerrard, and in particular by the Scouser's ability to deal with the pressures that come with his high profile.
"He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to show leadership, to lift the team," Torres said.
"He's a great example, and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle.
"It's incredible the way he carries himself regardless of what is going on around him. I'd love to be captain of another team one day and Steve has shown me how to be a great leader."
In the knee joint there are two half-moon-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci lying firmly on the shin bone.
The outer or external meniscus is called the lateral meniscus. The inner or internal meniscus is called the medial meniscus.
It is primarily the job of the menisci to function as load distributors when we walk or run. If the menisci were not there, the articular cartilage would be too heavily loaded and could be damaged.
The menisci also help to keep the knee stable.
How do meniscus injuries occur?
Meniscus injuries mostly occur when the knee is wrenched. In a weight-bearing twisting manoeuvre, the meniscus may be caught between the thigh bone and the shin bone and subsequently damaged.
This type of injury is common if someone is tackled during a football game.
What are the symptoms of a meniscus injury?
Shortly after the accident has happened, it is difficult to diagnose whether a meniscus injury has occurred unless the knee is locked. There can be a swelling, but not always. Even the most classical symptoms may fail to appear at first.
The classic symptom is a locked knee that cannot be straightened, eg if one has been sitting with bent knees. The knee can suddenly lock on twisting and then unlock with an audible click.
Another classic symptom is pain and swelling of the knee after it has been overloaded.
How does a doctor diagnose a meniscus injury?
First and foremost it is important to find out how the injury occurred and whether the knee was locked. The doctor will feel along the knee's joint-lines and examine whether there is soreness corresponding to a meniscus. On moving the knee a little, the meniscus-click might be felt or heard.
Finally, an arthroscopy of the knee can be carried out. This is usually done under general anaesthesia. A diagnosis can be made and the meniscus tear attended to.
How is a meniscus lesion treated?
There is no standard treatment of meniscus lesions. But as a rule of thumb, as much of the meniscus as possible will be saved.
If there is only a minor lesion in the free edge of the meniscus, it may be enough to smooth it out a little, or even to do nothing at all.
If there is a more major tear, the torn portion is usually removed arthroscopically.
If there is a long split in the meniscus, it is possible to stitch it. This is also performed arthroscopically.
As the blood supply to the meniscus is limited, not all large tears are amenable to repair. Attempted repair is often tried in young people. If the meniscus has been repaired, weight-bearing is limited for three weeks. It will be six weeks before a full range of movement is achieved.
If a portion of meniscus has been removed (a procedure called partial menisectomy), the patient can walk again as normal.
Based on a text by Hans Gad Johansen, specialist and Ejnar Kuur, consultant
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