Torres sorry to miss return
22 Oct 2008 - 15:36:24
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is devastated at missing out on the opportunity of making an emotional return to Atletico Madrid.
The Spain international, who moved to Merseyside from the Vicente Calderon Stadium in the summer of 2007, has been ruled out of the Champions League clash between the two sides because of a hamstring strain.
Torres has opted to remain in Liverpool for treatment rather than travel to Madrid, and told the Reds' official website: "To not be in the Calderon on Wednesday is a huge disappointment.
"It was very special for me to be able to play this game, but unfortunately it is not to be.
"I want to thank Atletico Madrid for their invitation. I'm sorry for the fans, but after meeting with the coach, the medical staff and the physiotherapists we have decided that it was best for me to remain in Liverpool because I would have lost virtually two days of recuperation.
"At this phase we cannot afford ourselves this luxury. I'm improving but with this type of injury you need to be very patient.
"It is a shame because I have had another break in the same place as happened last August. But there is nothing else to do but work and complete the daily sessions that have been created for me by the Liverpool medical staff.
"It will be a difficult game. Atletico have started the Champions League phenomenally well and they will try to move closer to qualifying in front of their fans.
"For us it is the same. If we claim these three points we will take a very big step towards the last 16.
"As I have already said, my wish is that we both qualify and, after the first few rounds of matches, we are both on track. Now all that remains is to finish it off."