Making his point: Mascherano criticised
Liverpool for the way they handled the sale of Torres
Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has criticised former
club Liverpool for the way they handled his departure last summer
and striker Fernando Torres' exit on Monday.
The Argentina international described as 'sad' the manner in
which players had to leave a club they had served well.
Following Torres' £50million transfer to Chelsea on deadline day
the Spaniard has been castigated for his comments suggesting he is
much better off at Stamford Bridge than he was at Anfield.
'I was not surprised about what happened with Fernando,'
Mascherano is quoted on espn.co.uk as telling a press conference
today.
'When I left Liverpool, it looked as if I killed someone. It is
sad that the people who did something important with the club have
to leave by the back door.
'It is sad that the press and the club try to convince people
that it is all the player's fault when the reality is that
Liverpool didn't show the interest in keeping us in the club.
'The most important players didn't leave the club well. 'I spoke
with Fernando and I said to him that he doesn't have to be worried
because he did his best for the club.
Pastures new: Torres joined Chelsea on transfer
deadline-day
'Even though he didn't win any trophies, he was a very
important player and helped this club all the time.'
Mascherano's views are, however, slightly ironic considering he
was offered a new contract by then Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
last April but stalled on signing it.
Four months later, after it became apparent he did not want to
remain on Merseyside, he eventually secured a £22million move to
Barcelona.
