Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has hit out at Chelsea striker Fernando Torres for turning his back on the club's fans, but claims the future is bright at Anfield without the Spaniard.
The 26-year-old completed a British record £50 million move on Monday after handing in a transfer request, while the Merseyside club brought in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll for nearly £60m.
The World Cup winner enjoyed a harmonious relationship with fans at Anfield and had previously committed himself to the club, saying he would never move to another Premier League side.
"He's been pretty fraudulent with Liverpool fans, who have stuck with him through thick and thin, and he's been very thin of late," Aldridge told Sky Sports.
"They've actually been making excuses for him, saying mentally he's not right or he's injured, but to be honest he's not looked half the player [he was] for some time."
The former Atletico Madrid man has found it hard to maintain his form this season after an injury-ravaged summer, often cutting a forlorn figure in a red shirt during his final few months, and Aldridge believes that the Premier League champions have a lot to do to get him back to his best.
"For Chelsea, it's a bit of a gamble," he said. "Can they resurrect him to what he was doing for Liverpool for the first two years? Will he shirk off the injuries that have been dogging him?"
He added: "But having said that, if he does click with Didier Drogba that's one hell of a frontline."
Aldridge went on to say that Liverpool will be stronger with the additions of Suarez and Carroll, who he described as "two excellent players".
"They'll get more from them; Fernando Torres has not won a game singlehandedly for Liverpool for some time," he continued.
The former Liverpool striker said the club could be optimistic about improving in future under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group.
Asked whether the signings of Suarez and Carroll were a statement from the new American owners, Aldridge replied: "Very much. People will say they utilized the money from Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres, but a lot of clubs wouldn't have done that.
"Man United didn't utilize the £80m from Ronaldo, and if Hicks and Gillett were here they wouldn't have done that, that would have gone on interest payments.
"I've got a funny feeling that it won't be the last couple of big signings."
He concluded: "I think Liverpool could have a bright future under these people."
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