This is not a plea. It’s a statement of fact. The last 24 hours have been an anxious wait for many Liverpool fans wanting to know the intricacies of the Torres saga. I couldn’t sleep at night, waking up and browsing NewsNow for latest updates related to this story. Reading about Torres’ alleged transfer request sent shivers down my spine; a nightmare unfolding I thought to myself.
Even as I write this piece, I’m constantly hitting the refresh button on NN hoping to read that all important headline about Torres rubbishing rumours of his departure. Why should he leave anyway? Is it money? I’m sure he’s salary tops the list in the financial balance sheet breakdown. If not, I’m pretty sure Liverpool can sort out any worries he has about not being paid well (which I don’t think is the case).
Torres is simply adored not only by those residing in Liverpool, but by hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe. My nephew learnt the Torres song at the tender age of five and it’s thanks to Torres and Gerrard that he’s learnt to appreciate the beautiful game. Torres must understand that leaving Liverpool is not about leaving a football club; it’s about leaving home. How can he hand in a transfer request when he showed to the Football World his passion for the club by sporting a Liverpool scarf when Spain won the World Cup? How can Torres hand in a transfer request when barely two weeks ago he stated his commitment and loyalty? All of this defies belief.
Torres must understand that such a departure will lead to harsh consequences at the club he so much showed he loved. This transfer will, undoubtedly, have a ripple effect across the team and with Pepe Reina being courted by Man. Utd, I can forsee the first disastrous side-effect of this un-called for decision.
So, Torres wants to leave for Chelsea, presumably thinking Champions League football is guaranteed in London. Very untrue and very naive of Torres to think on these lines (again, assuming this is the reason). There is no guarantee Chelsea will finish in fourth spot with Spurs and Man. City fighting it all out to make it to Europe’s elite group. Liverpool, this season, have fallen down the pecking order, true, but Torres must understand that Liverpool’s problems were a result of poor ownership and team management, issues which have now been ironed out.
Kenny Dalglish taking the reigns at Anfield should be enough of a reason for Torres to stay put. No disrespect to Ancelotti, but if I had to chose between Dalglish, one of football’s greatest ambassadors as a player and manager, and Ancelotti, the decision is simple and straightforward.
Torres doesn’t need to depart. Liverpool have just secured a number one striker in Suarez and the team is showing signs of composure, mental strength, decisiveness, grit and class, all brought about by Dalglish and his coaching team led by Steve Clarke. This is a Liverpool team on the up and which can truly challenge for honours in the not so distant future.
I will now sign off. If Torres has any doubts of what playing for Liverpool means, I would suggest watching “Liverpool: One Night In May” to comprehend what being part of the Liverpool family truly means.
Torres, do the right thing. Come out and tell the whole Football World that you’re Liverpool through-and-through. Don’t throw in the towel. Don’t let us down. Think it over.