Torres moves on. I guess it was inevitable. He gave Liverpool probably the best years of his playing career, but what he got in return was only genuine fan affection. For a top player, that is not enough.
As a die-hard Liverpool fan, obviously I’m devastated, but I don’t grudge him the move. I worry because I don’t think going to Chelsea is a step-up. Chelsea have been a big club only for the past 5-6 years. And they started a downhill slide as soon as they didn’t spend money in 1 transfer window. For me, that’s not the hallmark of a top club. They have no understudy to Lampard or Drogba, they let Sturridge leave on loan (fantastic talent by the way) and their best players are on the wrong side of 30 or close to it – meaning they will spend heavily again to build a side capable of mounting a challenge. If FIFA’s financial fair play regulations have any teeth in them, Chelsea will decline.
What were his options? He’s a loyal man, and hence he couldn’t goto Real Madrid or Manchester United. He could have gone to Barcelona last summer, but he chose to stay with us and now Barca have no space. Arsenal can’t spend that kind of money (actually they can, but Wenger is a miser). For all it’s worth, I think a move to Manchester City would have been better for the future, but they too have no space now with Dzeko’s arrival. Similar story for AC Milan (they got Ibra in the summer), and the new Inter coach doesn’t fancy Torres.
What is my point? I think loyalty to Liverpool cost Nando a better move for his career. For that, Liverpool owe him an apology. He did not desert a sinking ship – rather he made sure it didn’t sink all the way (with all our problems at the beginning of the season), and left us with enough money to repair after his departure. Torres doesn’t deserve comparisons to a certain Michael Owen because that’s outright insulting to a player and man of his integrity.
All the best Nando – we will only have good things to say about you. You will have a brief but well-lit chapter in Liverpool’s history – and you will never walk alone.
-A true Liverpool fan
Recent Comments