Fernando Torres set for Liverpool return as Anfield date confirmed
Fernando Torres broke hearts when he departed Liverpool in 2011, but 13 years later is in line to make a return to Anfield
Fernando Torres is due to return to Liverpool next month as part of the legends charity match at Anfield, the club have announced.
On March 23, 2024, a team made of past Liverpool players and coaches will take part in the annual charity event that raises money for the LFC Foundation. In previous years the visiting teams have included Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid - this time around the Reds will welcome old foes from AFC Ajax.
Seven former stars had been named two weeks ago - they are Jerzy Dudek, Sander Westerveld, Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio, Gregory Vignal, Djibril Cisse and Ryan Babel. Torres has now been added as the eighth member of the squad - one that holds significant weight.
Between summer 2007 and January 2011, 'El Nino' scored 81 goals in 142 appearances, cementing his status as a cult hero. That is why when the time came for him to make a then-British transfer record move to Premier League rivals Chelsea, it brought with it an emotional reaction from supporters.
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Although the Spaniard returned to Anfield for Chelsea, then took part in another all-star charity event in 2015, this will mark his first appearances back in Liverpool colours as part of the Legends series since his departure 13 years ago.
Supporters were taken by surprise with the news, posting plenty of welcoming messages to X, formerly known as Twitter, after many years:
@LeosGoalss wrote: "Wow, he broke my heart back then, but I am looking forward to see him again in red shirt!"
@FootyTone responded: "Prime Torres was something else! Great News!"
@liverpoolfcsyd added: "Yessss! He was a beast for Liverpool."
@DonnyScouse said: "Absolutely cannot wait, was heartbroken when he left, once a red always a red #elnino #9."
@bastillejack replied: "El Nino!!!!!! Arghhhhh I can't believe it! He was my idol growing up. I can't wait!"
The Torres announcement is the second of the week regarding the Legends match, following the heartwarming news from Liverpool that Sven-Goran Eriksson will be taking charge of the Reds team on the day.
After announcing his terminal cancer diagnosis last month, Reds supporters rallied to have the former England coach and Liverpool fan's dream of managing the club granted as part of the event, leading to his involvement alongside Ian Rush, John Barnes and John Aldridge in the dugout.