TORRES MUST LEAVE CHELSEA TO REDISCOVER HIS FORM

With just over seven more days for agents to rack up further extortionate bills on their mobiles, it will be interesting to see if there are any developments with regard to Fernando Torres.

With Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas to the fore in their opening match of the season for Chelsea, it was perhaps ironic to see the glum face of one of their fellow countrymen sitting idly on the bench, the rapid decline of this once world-class frontman has been sad to witness indeed.

Jose Mourinho has never been shy in stating his public disappointment with the average standard of performance ‘El Nino’ has displayed on such a regular basis and it would suit both parties if Torres were to be offered a way out of Stamford Bridge.

However, where once he could probably pick from a raft of suitors, possible admirers are extremely difficult to find these days such has been the downward level of displays from the former Atletico Madrid and Liverpool superstar and what a great shame that is.

During his four year period with the Reds, Torres was at his pomp, dazzling in game after game with mesmerising showings scoring a highly impressive 65 goals in 102 appearances. However, no-one in their right mind can deny the unfortunate fact his mind-boggling £50million move down south has been one of worst deals in the history of the game.

Reasons behind this range from questions about his attitude, to the fact serious knee and hamstring injuries have deprived him of one of his most prised assets – blistering pace.

The continual failure of a host of Chelsea bosses to devise a system which could bring out the best out of him can also be justifiably be used a possible excuse, though curiously enough of the paltry 20 goals he has scored for the Blues, some have been of huge importance such as the crucial last-minute strike versus Barcelona in the 2011-12 Champions League semi-final.

However, the vast millions so extravagantly splashed out to secure his services will never be repaid, not in terms of a future transfer fee or nor in terms of the significant contributions he is likely to deliver to any future success Chelsea are to enjoy.

There was some talk during the summer of a return to his spiritual home at Atletico, though interest from the Spanish champions has cooled as they probably thought the deal was not good value for money. Torres is now 30 and would be highly unlikely to replicate the outstanding form which he consistently displayed in the famous red and white strips, establishing a reputation as one of the most deadly marksmen on the continent.

For all true lovers of football the hope must be Torres is afforded an opportunity to start afresh at pastures new, talent such as him should not be left to fritter away with a frown replacing his once noted golden smile.

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