The 29-year-old centre-back has been one of Villa's most consistent performers this season following an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign. Villa head into the final two games of the Premier League season in fourth place, level on points with fifth-placed Liverpool, with Friday's home clash directly between the two sides.
Torres, speaking to <i>Radio MARCA</I>, was clear about the significance of qualifying for the Champions League.
"It is something very important for the club and for us, because playing the Champions League is the greatest thing you can do with your club."
On the slow start to the season before Villa found their rhythm.
"We had a very good run of consecutive victories and that is what is allowing us to keep fighting to secure the Champions League."
He praised Emery without restraint when asked about his qualities as a coach.
"He is a coach who lives football seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day."
When asked specifically about the possibility of Emery becoming Real Madrid's next manager — a scenario widely discussed in Spain — Torres declined to limit him.
"I think he is more than capable. The results he has achieved at every club where he has been speak for themselves."
On the differences between the Premier League and Spanish football, he highlighted the financial power that permeates even the mid-table clubs in England.
"The financial capacity of any club here is abysmal. Any club has forty million to sign a striker."
He also described how the modern game places different demands on centre-backs.
"Now you have to defend a lot of space behind you and play a lot of one-versus-one situations."
On his international ambitions and a return to Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad.
"He knows what I can contribute, and if he wants to count on me I will be there first. I have intact hope of returning after a complicated year through injuries."
He also reflected on Spain's disappointment at the Qatar World Cup and spoke with confidence about the current generation.
"You can feel that great things can be done."
Torres joined Aston Villa from Villarreal for £31.5 million in the summer of 2023, reuniting with Emery, who had coached him during their Europa League-winning campaign together. He won that trophy with Villarreal in 2021, beating Manchester United on penalties in the final.