Saturday, January 31, 2009

Fernando Torres: 'Father Figure' Rafa Benitez Must Stay At Liverpool

Fernando Torres remains confident that Rafa Benitez - the man he describes as a father figure - will sign a new contract with Liverpool.

Benitez recently rejected Liverpool's offer of a new deal on the grounds that the contract put forward by club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett did not give him the control over transfers and influence over the academy that he had been seeking.

The future of the Reds boss remains up in the air although Hicks has pledged to thrash out a deal during his visit to Merseyside this weekend,

Torres is hopeful that a deal can finally be tied up and warned it would be "a mistake and a great pity" if the impasse continued and Benitez ended up quitting Anfield.

"Negotiations always take time and there's a lot to sort out but I'm sure he'll end up renewing his contract," said Torres.

"Sooner or later they'll come to an agreement. Rafa wants the best for him and for the club, so I'm not worried.

"He's been like a father to me and I hope and trust that he continues.

"He's been very important for me: he gave me confidence and taught me so much. He's one of the coaches you learn the most from.

"He's given a lot to the club and brought in some great players. Some of us wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. If you ask the other players, they'd tell you the same thing.

"Letting Rafa go would be a mistake and a great pity."

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