- Fernando Torres marked his return to Merseyside with a goal for Liverpool legends
- But reactions online were mixed after he received a warm welcome at Anfield
- Brazil in blue – you want to think about yellow and Pele and not think about Everton – Listen to the It all starts podcast
Liverpool supporters are divided on social media after Fernando Torres received a raucous reception on his return to Anfield.
Torres joined a number of former Liverpool stars to take part in a clash against their Ajax counterparts to raise money for the LFC Foundation.
The 40-year-old, who retired from playing after a spell with Japanese side Sagan Tosu in 2019, impressed fans with his skills as he linked up with his former teammates during pre-match training.
After scoring late as Liverpool legends defeated Ajax on Saturday, Torres received a standing ovation from the Anfield crowd.
However, clearly still scorned by his acrimonious departure, some fans insisted Torres should not have been greeted with such a warm welcome by the Anfield faithful.
Fernando Torres marked his return to Anfield with a goal in the Liverpool legends game
The 40-year-old Spaniard received a standing ovation when he was substituted late against Ajax
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One wrote: ‘Our fan base has no pride or self respect and gives him a standing ovation’
Another added: ‘They better give that same love to Coutinho if he ever returns to Anfield.
“He didn’t join a Premier League rival and then say, ‘I’ve finally joined a big club’.”
However, other fans were more charitable towards the World Cup winner, with one writing: ‘As much as I’d love to hate him I just can’t bring myself to do it’
Another agreed: ‘In his prime he was absolutely phenomenal, he was gutted when he left’
Another fan wrote: ‘Being able to celebrate another goal from Torres is very special’
But reactions online were mixed following his acrimonious departure from the club to join Chelsea in 2011
After joining the club in 2007, Torres gained a legendary reputation among supporters for his efficiency in front of goal, scoring 81 times in all competitions for the Reds.
However, the Spaniard controversially left Merseyside to join Chelsea four years later and added fuel to the fire when he said he had finally joined one of the world’s ‘top clubs’ after arriving at Stamford Bridge.
