Benchwarmer Mascherano defends Torres

Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has defender Fernando Torres’ decision to leave Liverpool this week.

Torres left the Reds after reaching hero status with the Kop to sign for arch-rivals Chelsea in a record £50million move on Monday.

He could even make his debut for his new club against Liverpool, when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.

Torres’ exit has seen a lot of anger from Liverpool fans, with the Spanish striker seemingly turning his back on a club he claimed to be loyal to and a passionate fanbase who adored him.

But Mascherano said Torres’s decision to leave should be resepected.

“I was not surprised about what happened with Fernando,” Mascherano is quoted as telling ESPN at a press conference today.

“When I left Liverpool, it looked as if I killed someone. It is sad that the people who did something important with the club have to leave by the back door.

“It is sad that the press and the club try to convince people that it is all the player’s fault when the reality is that Liverpool didn’t show the interest in keeping us in the club.

“The most important players didn’t leave the club well.

“I spoke with Fernando and I said to him that he doesn’t have to be worried because he did his best for the club.

“Even though he didn’t win any trophies, he was a very important player and helped this club all the time.”

Mascherano left Anfield in the summer of 2010 in a big money move to Barcelona.

He can now frequently be found watching games from the bench at the Nou Camp, with what was a promising career slipping away.

Now that’ll happen to you, Torres.

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