Former Liverpool forward Fernando Torres played his last professional match today as his team Sagan Tosu lost 6-1 at home to Vissel Kobe, who have Andres Iniesta, Thomas Vermaelen and David Villa among their ranks.
It was a Vermaelen own-goal that gave Torres’ side their only goal in the match, so he didn’t even get to sign off by finding the back of the net.
Before the game, though, Torres sent an emotional, heartfelt message to the fans of the teams he has represented over the last 18 years, including the Reds. He scored 65 times while at Anfield, before departing for Chelsea.
Torres wrote an open letter to fans, which was printed out and placed on every seat at the stadium where his final game was played.
According to the Daily Mirror, he put: “When I was five years old, I started playing football with my brother. Thirty years later I will play my final match as a professional.
“Today I look back and can hardly believe everything I have lived through. I feel very fortunate to have been able to win the most important trophies in the world and play for some of the most prestigious clubs.
“I have experienced feelings of great emotion and happiness. I wanted to thank football for making me so happy. But I don’t want to forget the most authentic part of the sport, the part which makes it so wonderful: the fans.”
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Torres did not leave Merseyside on the best of terms, it must be said, but he was a top player on his day. Best of luck in your retirement, El Nino.