Rafa Benitez put a stop to Real Madrid's incredible spending spree - by rejecting a massive £65million bid for Anfield idol Fernando Torres.
Madrid swooped for Torres AFTER sealing deals for £80m Cristiano Ronaldo and £56m Kaka. It was an astonishing move from the Spaniards, given that Torres made his name at their bitter rivals Atletico Madrid and is as important to Liverpool as skipper Steven Gerrard.
But Bernabeu president Florentino Perez reckoned the cash-strapped Merseysiders would be vulnerable to a big-money raid and agreed the offer for Spain's No.1 striker.
And he was prepared to win a bidding war with Chelsea and Manchester City, who also sniffed around Torres.
Liverpool boss Benitez, who is trying to keep Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano from Spanish clutches, said last night there was never a chance of accepting Madrid's millions.
Benitez said: "We always knew when a bid came we'd say no because the main thing was the player wanted to stay.
"People know the player wanted to stay here but it did not stop them trying. Football has changed and there is big, big money around - but we still have the same idea to keep the spine of the team and work hard for next season.
"We wanted to send a message that we are strong and want to improve. We don't want to lose any of our big players."
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is also believed to have put Torres at the top of his wish-list. But even though Roman Abramovich would have bankrolled the deal, Torres would not have moved to another Premier League club.
That also scuppered City's plans after they had lined up a third move for Torres following initial enquiries a year ago and further interest in January.
Madrid swooped for Torres AFTER sealing deals for £80m Cristiano Ronaldo and £56m Kaka. It was an astonishing move from the Spaniards, given that Torres made his name at their bitter rivals Atletico Madrid and is as important to Liverpool as skipper Steven Gerrard.
But Bernabeu president Florentino Perez reckoned the cash-strapped Merseysiders would be vulnerable to a big-money raid and agreed the offer for Spain's No.1 striker.
And he was prepared to win a bidding war with Chelsea and Manchester City, who also sniffed around Torres.
Liverpool boss Benitez, who is trying to keep Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano from Spanish clutches, said last night there was never a chance of accepting Madrid's millions.
Benitez said: "We always knew when a bid came we'd say no because the main thing was the player wanted to stay.
"People know the player wanted to stay here but it did not stop them trying. Football has changed and there is big, big money around - but we still have the same idea to keep the spine of the team and work hard for next season.
"We wanted to send a message that we are strong and want to improve. We don't want to lose any of our big players."
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is also believed to have put Torres at the top of his wish-list. But even though Roman Abramovich would have bankrolled the deal, Torres would not have moved to another Premier League club.
That also scuppered City's plans after they had lined up a third move for Torres following initial enquiries a year ago and further interest in January.
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