Fernando Torres will be back in a Liverpool shirt this weekend as he prepares for his LFC Legends bow.
The Spaniard upset the whole Liverpool fanbase back in 2011, leaving for Chelsea after earning hero status at Anfield. 13 years on, some scars still remain from that betrayal, but it’ll be great to see him all the same.
And in the lead up to the game against Ajax Legends on Saturday, Torres has been attempting to rebuild the bridges he burned upon his move to Stamford Bridge.
Having praised the work being done by Jurgen Klopp and his team of coaches, Liverpool’s former No.9 has also hailed the brilliance of three Reds youngsters. However, Torres’ biggest praise was reserved for one of Liverpool’s biggest current stars.
Fernando Torres hails ‘special’ Liverpool star
It seems odd now, but Torres actually played with a certain Mohamed Salah during his days at Chelsea. It was only briefly, but when reminded of this during an interview with LFCTV this week, the World Cup winner couldn’t have been more effusive about Mo.
“I’m really really happy for him,” Torres smiled. “I’m in touch with him many times and I am really happy that he breaks all my records. I remember when he came to England he was really young and he didn’t have the minutes he deserved.
“Similar to Diogo [Jota] he had to move to Italy and prove himself and find a special club for a special player and you can see the result of what he did.
“For me, top player and one of the best in the world in the last ten years,” he added. “I always say he is my favourite player, I put him among the best players in the last ten years. You can see what Liverpool managed to win, all the trophies and you know the club is fighting for everything now. I’m sure he is one of the main reasons.
“So, I’m really proud of him because I know how difficult it was for him to come to England and the time proved that he was a special player he just needed a special club like Liverpool to trust him and he shows what he can do.
“I was really happy when he signed his new contract to keep playing for Liverpool. And he’s going to be one of the best players in Liverpool’s history I’m sure he is already but still he has many things to do.”
When is Fernando Torres returning to Anfield
After all this time, it really is a pleasure to hear Torres speaking so warmly and openly about Liverpool and their players.
For a long while, it felt as though the striker – who turned 40 yesterday – was actively avoiding the club. Having been so good and so loved during his three-and-a-half year spell at Anfield, he has only been back once since leaving. That was for an all-stars charity game in 2015.
On Saturday though, El Nino makes his comeback once and for all. The Reds kick-off their game against Ajax in what is likely to be a full house at Anfield at 3pm.
With Steven Gerrard also in-line for an appearance, Liverpool fans are about to see one of their best link-ups of the 21st century back out on the pitch. Welcome back, Nando!