Reina defends Torres, hints at Reds exit
Source: Agencies |
February 9, 2011, Wednesday
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Print Edition
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PEPE Reina has defended the decision taken by Fernando Torres to join Chelsea and was building a case for himself of following the Spanish teammate out of Anfield.
Torres incensed some Liverpool fans with his explanation that he joined Chelsea because he wanted to win trophies and some of them burned his No. 9 shirt in protest.
Goalkeeper Reina, who joined Torres at Spain's training base outside Madrid on Monday as they prepare for today's friendly against Colombia, said there was nothing to be done but wish the striker good luck.
"Football is like that, as players we come and go," Reina was quoted as saying in Spanish media.
"You have to understand his decision, he felt it was a good opportunity to continue developing.
"The club has to look forward and forget Fernando. He is not here anymore and we can't do anything but wish him a lot of luck."
Torres had a miserable debut at home to Liverpool on Sunday, squandering several chances before being substituted in the 66th minute as Chelsea lost 0-1.
One travelling Liverpool fan held up a banner reading: "18 titles, five European Cups - is Chelsea a bigger club?", while another threw a Liverpool shirt bearing his name on to the Stamford Bridge pitch.
"It's logical that people don't understand it but I think they have to make an effort and remember what he did for the club during these past three and a half years," Reina said.
"He scored a lot of goals, he provided many entertaining afternoons of football and that is what we have to remember, the smile that he put on people's faces in many matches.
"In my case a friend is leaving, it's tough but football is like that.
"Yesterday at (Chelsea) was a bit strange but football has these situations. Today you are playing with a teammate and friend and the next you are playing against him but you have to wish him a lot of luck.
"He is trying to make things work out well for himself."
Reina also hinted yesterday that he may seek a move out of Liverpool at some point. The Liverpool keeper told a Spanish radio: "I won't lie. I want to play in the Champions League and challenge for titles."
With Barcelona and Real Madrid unlikely to change their keeper, English clubs may offer him a way out. "Yes, of course, (Edwin) Van der Sar (of Manchester United) will hang up his gloves in the summer and Arsenal are also looking for a keeper. A lot of teams are looking for a keeper.
"There is nothing I can do or say, because I have a contract with Liverpool which I renewed last year. But I would like to be challenging for titles and be in a team with a realistic chance of winning things."
"Before, we were challenging for the Champions League and we were in the race for the title right till the end, but sadly in the last couple of years we haven't been. Nothing is fundamental but it (the Champions League is important). I want to aspire to the maximum in my career, and that means trophies."
Torres incensed some Liverpool fans with his explanation that he joined Chelsea because he wanted to win trophies and some of them burned his No. 9 shirt in protest.
Goalkeeper Reina, who joined Torres at Spain's training base outside Madrid on Monday as they prepare for today's friendly against Colombia, said there was nothing to be done but wish the striker good luck.
"Football is like that, as players we come and go," Reina was quoted as saying in Spanish media.
"You have to understand his decision, he felt it was a good opportunity to continue developing.
"The club has to look forward and forget Fernando. He is not here anymore and we can't do anything but wish him a lot of luck."
Torres had a miserable debut at home to Liverpool on Sunday, squandering several chances before being substituted in the 66th minute as Chelsea lost 0-1.
One travelling Liverpool fan held up a banner reading: "18 titles, five European Cups - is Chelsea a bigger club?", while another threw a Liverpool shirt bearing his name on to the Stamford Bridge pitch.
"It's logical that people don't understand it but I think they have to make an effort and remember what he did for the club during these past three and a half years," Reina said.
"He scored a lot of goals, he provided many entertaining afternoons of football and that is what we have to remember, the smile that he put on people's faces in many matches.
"In my case a friend is leaving, it's tough but football is like that.
"Yesterday at (Chelsea) was a bit strange but football has these situations. Today you are playing with a teammate and friend and the next you are playing against him but you have to wish him a lot of luck.
"He is trying to make things work out well for himself."
Reina also hinted yesterday that he may seek a move out of Liverpool at some point. The Liverpool keeper told a Spanish radio: "I won't lie. I want to play in the Champions League and challenge for titles."
With Barcelona and Real Madrid unlikely to change their keeper, English clubs may offer him a way out. "Yes, of course, (Edwin) Van der Sar (of Manchester United) will hang up his gloves in the summer and Arsenal are also looking for a keeper. A lot of teams are looking for a keeper.
"There is nothing I can do or say, because I have a contract with Liverpool which I renewed last year. But I would like to be challenging for titles and be in a team with a realistic chance of winning things."
"Before, we were challenging for the Champions League and we were in the race for the title right till the end, but sadly in the last couple of years we haven't been. Nothing is fundamental but it (the Champions League is important). I want to aspire to the maximum in my career, and that means trophies."
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