Rafa reunion is perfect fit for Torres

IT was a shame to learn this week that Fernando Torres will not get to end his career with Atletico Madrid. He will leave his boyhood team for the second time when his contract ends this summer. The first time he left Atletico back in 2007 he effectively ended my career at Liverpool. What a player he was back then. The one season we were together, he blew everyone away with his pace, strength and finishing ability. He scored 33 goals, including 24 in the Premier League. Fernando was not a typical Spanish player and did not stand out with his technical ability. He was more like an English centre forward, aggressive and direct, but his finishing was ruthless and I would have loved to have formed a significant partnership with him. We did well in the games we played together — a Champions League win over Arsenal stands out — but as it was, Rafa Benitez paired him with Steven Gerrard. They were unplayable at times and it made me realise my opportunities would be limited if I stayed on Merseyside. He was one of the best in the world and I was shocked by what happened when he moved to Chelsea in 2011. The player I saw struggling for confidence at Stamford Bridge did not resemble the one I worked alongside. It will be interesting to see where he goes next. Perhaps Newcastle could be an option. He enjoyed playing for Benitez and he is a manager who could get him firing again.