Fernando Torres and Liverpool: Is the break-up imminent?

At the FA Cup game against rivals Manchester United, Fernando Torres looked a shadow of himself. He was poor on and off the ball – his first touch was unsure and he cut out a lonely figure on the park. This was the first game in charge for Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. His presence should have brought about in him some sort of positivity as he has been very oral about his reverence for the former Liverpool striker.

Torres: Final Goodbye?

Ironically comparisons were often drawn between Dalglish and Torres once the Spaniard had hit it off at Liverpool under Rafa Benitez. Things have changed since and Torres has been in dismal form this season except for the game at Chelsea. His love-affair with Liverpool when he was picked up as a young boy by Benitez from Atletico Madrid, he was a player of limited promise then.

Liverpool with its vast and glorious history offered him a position to envied. Not many had the time to doubt him as he produced an amazing first season becoming the poster-boy at the Mersey-side club. His unbelievable conversion rate and cool head drew these comparisons which would not have seemed so far fetched two seasons ago.

To be fair, Fernando Torres seems to be looking ahead at his future and many would believe that he thinks it not at Anfield. And those many might be right too. It is not hidden from all that Torres did have second thoughts about staying with Liverpool under Roy Hodgson at the beginning of this season. How grave were his concerns can not be known but it must have taken some convincing to keep him put. Now, with him looking this dim on the field it is quite possible that even the Kop fans have deserted him. The feeling of “break-up” of this once upon a time intimate “love-affair” is increasingly becoming mutual.

There are of-course financial limitations to the break-up. Liverpool would not be hasty in selling the boy for a low price. It is true however at the same time that nobody will plunge into dirty waters willingly knowing his form. Yet plainly for his sheer talent and for the knowledge of what he can achieve in full flair will make him a target for many. Speculation is ripe that Bayern and a couple of other clubs might be interested. In that case it will be a matter of who offers how much.

The disconnect between Liverpool fans and Torres was evident of the response he received when he was transferred in the 77th minute at the FA cup game against United. Or rather of the response he did not receive. The usual burst of disagreement that would have followed if he had been removed from the position in a must-score position in the game might have been huge two seasons back. This time it was a little too obvious.

Just as a remembrance of the intimacy the intimacy they have shared in the past is perhaps enough to stir a last final ditch attempt to revitalize him and his interest at the club. This final attempt is the man he has looked upto and sought to match at Liverpool – Kenny Dalglsh. Time will tell whether this attempt will gain fruition or not but for the moment all love is lost.