Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has announced that Fernando Torres wants to stay at Anfield.

The Spanish striker is hot property and had been widely expected to move on from Liverpool especially following the sacking of fellow Spaniard and former manager Rafa Benitez.

However Hodgson, who joined Liverpool from Fulham last month, said that he has had positive comments from Torres about his future.

“He has told us that he is looking forward to Monday, to getting back to work and looking forward to playing for Liverpool next season.

“That is what I know so other reports, I would suggest, are erroneous.”

Hodgson last week suggested that he was powerless to influence Torres on his future. “Unfortunately, I cannot do much more”, the former Fulham boss was quoted as saying. “His beef is with the club and not me.”

The confirmation today however will be of huge relief for Liverpool fans eager to ditch last season’s disappointing finish and move on with a new manager and a new brand of football, now complete with their star striker.

Morale at Anfield is high after Steven Gerrard committed his future to the Reds and winger Joe Cole signed on a free transfer following his release by Chelsea.

On Sunday, former Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish said he felt the arrival of Hodgson, as well as recent player acquisitions, might persuade Torres to remain at Anfield.

“When Torres sees that and talks with Roy I’m sure he’ll give us good news.

“The fact that Stevie is staying will be a great help and players like Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey and Danny Wilson means there is buying for present and the future.”

Hodgson made further comment about Torres’ whereabouts and plans this summer.

“He is enjoying a holiday – a well-deserved break as he has not had one for three years,” added Hodgson of his World Cup winner on Tuesday.

“He is spending a lot of time with his family, keeping a low profile and as far as I know he is not really speaking to anyone.”

Torres failed to score in the World Cup for Spain on their journey to becoming World Champions in South Africa having come back from injury to play. He did appear in the final however only as a substitute in extra time.

Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in in 2007.
He made an immediate impact, scoring 29 goals in all competitions in his debut Reds season to become an instant Kop favourite.

He managed 17 goals the following season, and, despite being restricted to 32 appearances after being dogged by injuries last term, he still finished as top scorer with 22 goals in all competitions.

Jon Osterland