The Liverpool Legends are in action over this international break. Among the most eagerly-anticipated attendees is Fernando Torres, who will once again take to the hallowed Anfield turf.
It’s not quite a first since his acrimonious move to Chelsea in January 2011, with the healing process having begun in earnest in a charity match in 2015. On that occasion, Torres finally formed the partnership with Luis Suárez that was destined never to come to fruition in the Premier League, the elite attacking duo having passed at Liverpool like ships in the night.
Forgiveness was granted by the Kop — not full of its usual occupants, admittedly, but it was still significant to hear the Torres chant get another outing at Anfield. Most presumed that particular song had been sung for the last time.
Since then, though, Torres has not been back again. It’s probably safe to assume his chant will get a second rendition in 13 years come the weekend, but why has he not returned until now?
Speaking to the Liverpool website, Torres revealed that the answer is simple. It’s all to do with his busy post-playing-days calendar:
“I’ve been lucky enough to be invited many times from the foundation to play that match,” he confirmed. “But for different reasons, I couldn’t go. And now that I’m coaching, it’s more difficult to find gaps in the calendar to be able to go. I could manage to go this time.”
Torres has certainly been busy since hanging up his boots, taking charge of the Atlético Madrid U19s. A promising young managerial career has seen him twice venture to the latter stages of the UEFA Youth League, while he holds a convincing lead over the Real Madrid youth side in the regional section this season.
But with the dates having fallen nicely, Torres is coming back to Anfield. And he confessed there is one person he is particularly eager to see again.
“When I saw that Stevie was coming I just texted him,” said Torres of his former captain Steven Gerrard. “It’s an extra motivation.
“To play with Stevie was special for me. He changed my game, he made me a better player. It was an absolute joy to play alongside him and I’ve missed playing with him every single day since we didn’t play together.
“Let’s see if we still have that connection. I’m sure we will. But I don’t know how many times I can run into the space right now! It’s up to him! He has this special pass, so I’ll try my best. To play with Stevie at Anfield is even more special.”
Liverpool.com says: Perhaps it worked out for the best that Torres has only been able to make one return to Anfield up to this point. Time is a healer, as they say, and while the Kop were forgiving in the spirit of charity in 2015, ‘El Niño’ almost certainly has a higher overall approval rating among Liverpool fans now.
It helps that Liverpool has won every trophy on offer between then and now. Torres’ decision to leave has faded into history, and the question of what might have been if he had stayed is no longer such a burning one. There will be genuine excitement to see him again as he links up alongside Gerrard once more, with nostalgia firmly having won the battle over any lingering bitterness and resentment.
