Liverpool Manager: Fernando Torres will Stay at Anfield

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has said that Fernando Torres would stay at Anfield, dismissing media reports suggesting that the Spaniard’s future at Liverpool is now hanging in the balance.

Fernando Torres, who is now on vacation after winning the World Cup with Spain, has attracted interests from a number of European clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona. Chelsea was reportedly ready to splash around £60 to £70 million, but the striker’s recent injury that he picked up during the World Cup final has perhaps subsided Chelsea’s interest.

Torres has not talked to the media yet about his future, but if Hodgson is believed, then Torres is not leaving this summer. Liverpool manager has now revealed that Torres assured him of staying at Anfield.

Roy Hodgson told the media, “He's told us he's looking forward to getting back to work and playing for us next season. He is on holiday and having a well deserved rest. I don't think he has had a holiday for three or four years, so he is spending time with his family and, as far as I know, keeping a low profile.”

It is definitely good news for the Reds fans. Earlier, captain Steven Gerrard, who at some point looked very close to joining Real Madrid, has publicly committed his future to Liverpool and recently joined the pre-season training, though Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has not yet given up on his pursuit of securing Gerrard’s service.

Liverpool is currently going through a tough time both on and off the field. First of all, they are under huge debt. Secondly, they failed to clinch a Champions League spot last season, another blow to their financial condition. Thirdly, a number of players have already left and new manager Hodgson is busy in convincing the star players like Gerrard and Torres to stay.

Though the news of Gerrard and Torres staying is a huge boost for the debt-laden side, Hodgson is yet to deal with some other problems. He does not have a quality left back now, and would require a new holding midfielder too, if Inter Milan-bound Javier Mascherano finally moves away from the Merseyside club.