Barcelona ace believes Torres may join Chelsea next summer...
By Sumeet Paul
Aug 1, 2010 12:15:00 PM
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will quit Anfield for Chelsea next summer if they fail to yield any silverware this season, according to Barcelona star David Villa.
Spain's goalscoring hero at World Cup 2010, believes his fellow countryman is feeling hard done to by Anfield officials after they slapped a high valuation on his head following a summer of speculation linking him to Premier League holders Chelsea.
However, Torres now looks inclined to remain on Merseyside for another campaign at least, although Villa has warned that failure to win a trophy, or qualify for the Champions League, this season will spell the end of Torres' time with the Reds.
“The only reason [Fernando Torres] Nando ever left his beloved Atletico [Madrid] was because he knew he had to be at a club where he could win the highest honours – but that has not happened at Liverpool," Villa told the Daily Star.
“I loved Valencia but I knew I had to leave if I wanted to win the biggest prizes in football.
“This is Liverpool’s last chance to keep him. They have to prove they are *capable of challenging on all fronts this season, otherwise he will be gone.”
The 28-year-old Spanish sharp-shooter also confessed he was shockedTorres had not departed for Stamford Bridge already this summer.
“I am actually a little surprised. It looks like Nando is staying [at Liverpool]. After I spoke with him at the World Cup I thought he would sign for Chelsea," Villa added.
“I think it must only be that Chelsea did not meet Liverpool’s valuation. Because, if they had, I am sure he would have made the move.”
Villa believes his friend isn't motivated by money and that the only reason Torres is unhappy at Liverpool is that he wants to laden his mantlepiece with silverware.
As he enters the peak of his playing career, Torres' absence from the Champions League is something that upsets Villa.
He concluded: “Torres is happy at *Liverpool in every sense apart from the football. He loves the city, the fans and the players but he is the best striker in the world. He will go if he has to.
“He would not sign for *Manchester City because, for him, the money is not the most important thing. But if Liverpool fail to win anything I am sure he will be at Chelsea next summer.
“He was promised things at *Liverpool that just haven’t *happened. They said they would build a squad that would challenge *Manchester United for the title – and it just hasn’t happened.
“They sold Xabi Alonso last year and are going to sell Javier Mascherano this summer. I can totally understand Nando’s frustration.
“The best all-round striker in the world isn’t playing in the *European Cup during his peak years and that’s just not right.
“If the new coach and players win something then I am sure he will stay. If not, I am sure he will go and nobody could blame him.”
By Sumeet Paul
Aug 1, 2010 12:15:00 PM
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will quit Anfield for Chelsea next summer if they fail to yield any silverware this season, according to Barcelona star David Villa.
Spain's goalscoring hero at World Cup 2010, believes his fellow countryman is feeling hard done to by Anfield officials after they slapped a high valuation on his head following a summer of speculation linking him to Premier League holders Chelsea.
However, Torres now looks inclined to remain on Merseyside for another campaign at least, although Villa has warned that failure to win a trophy, or qualify for the Champions League, this season will spell the end of Torres' time with the Reds.
“The only reason [Fernando Torres] Nando ever left his beloved Atletico [Madrid] was because he knew he had to be at a club where he could win the highest honours – but that has not happened at Liverpool," Villa told the Daily Star.
“I loved Valencia but I knew I had to leave if I wanted to win the biggest prizes in football.
“This is Liverpool’s last chance to keep him. They have to prove they are *capable of challenging on all fronts this season, otherwise he will be gone.”
The 28-year-old Spanish sharp-shooter also confessed he was shockedTorres had not departed for Stamford Bridge already this summer.
“I am actually a little surprised. It looks like Nando is staying [at Liverpool]. After I spoke with him at the World Cup I thought he would sign for Chelsea," Villa added.
“I think it must only be that Chelsea did not meet Liverpool’s valuation. Because, if they had, I am sure he would have made the move.”
Villa believes his friend isn't motivated by money and that the only reason Torres is unhappy at Liverpool is that he wants to laden his mantlepiece with silverware.
As he enters the peak of his playing career, Torres' absence from the Champions League is something that upsets Villa.
He concluded: “Torres is happy at *Liverpool in every sense apart from the football. He loves the city, the fans and the players but he is the best striker in the world. He will go if he has to.
“He would not sign for *Manchester City because, for him, the money is not the most important thing. But if Liverpool fail to win anything I am sure he will be at Chelsea next summer.
“He was promised things at *Liverpool that just haven’t *happened. They said they would build a squad that would challenge *Manchester United for the title – and it just hasn’t happened.
“They sold Xabi Alonso last year and are going to sell Javier Mascherano this summer. I can totally understand Nando’s frustration.
“The best all-round striker in the world isn’t playing in the *European Cup during his peak years and that’s just not right.
“If the new coach and players win something then I am sure he will stay. If not, I am sure he will go and nobody could blame him.”
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