Ex-Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has revealed that his former captain Steven Gerrard gave his blessing to the striker’s £50 million transfer to Chelsea, according to The Mirror.

Torres, who is in line to make his debut this Sunday against his former club following his switch to Stamford Bridge, has responded to claims that he disrespected Liverpool fans in recent days.

Anfield hero Ian Rush has showered praise on Kenny Dalglish for his management of Fernando Torres’ move to Chelsea and believes Liverpool are stronger without the World Cup winner.

A former team-mate of Dalglish, the Welshman insists the swift acquisitions of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll after Torres’ departure underlines the capabilities of Dalglish as a manager and will go a long-way in taking Liverpool forward.

Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has hit out at the club regarding their handling of both his own exit and that of Fernando Torres.

Torres’ exit added to the departures of some of the spine of former boss Rafael Benitez’s title-challenging side that finished second in 2009, with him following Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa out of the door.

Liverpool made profits or broke-even on all of those players, with Torres’ mammoth £50million move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day now a British transfer record and doubling the £24million they paid for him in 2007.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed the club tried to sign Fernando Torres from Liverpool last summer.

Mancini is a huge fan of the Spain international’s services and tried to bring him to Eastlands before the start of the season.

However, Liverpool were not looking to do business and City ended up landing Mario Balotelli from European champions Inter Milan.

Torres recently submitted a transfer request and sealed a record-breaking £50million move to rivals Chelsea on transfer deadline day.

Totally Torres