Skrtel not surprised by Torres departure

Martin Skrtel says he isn’t surprised by Fernando Torres’ departure, and has vowed not to let his former teammate score when Liverpool face Chelsea on Sunday.

Skrtel said “There had been plenty of talk for a long time before and when he was not training with us in the last two days, nor was he in the training centre, the speculation just seemed to come true.”

The pubs around Anfield last night were filled with talk of how Torres had fallen out with several key players at Liverpool this season.

“We all feel sorry because he’s a player of world class ability but, to be honest, it was no surprise,” explained Skrtel.

“This season has not been going according to our wishes and expectations and that convinced him that it is the right time to move elsewhere. This is how he explained it to us.

“I wish him all the best but do not wish any success to Chelsea,” said the Slovakian defender.

“Maybe Fernando will regret making this step sometime in the future.”

Speaking about Sundays match, Skrtel said “I hope he appears on the pitch and, since Chelsea wanted him so much, it is very likely that he will. I’m looking forward and firmly believe I won’t let him score.”

As for the future, “We have captured Suarez and Carroll. I believe these two will replace him and we will be at least as strong as we were with Nando.”

“This season has not been going according to our wishes and expectations and that convinced him that it is the right time to move elsewhere. This is how he explained it to us.”

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