Jun 17 2008 EXCLUSIVE
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THE final nail in Chelsea's bid to prise Fernando Torres from Anfield has been hammered by co-owner Tom Hicks.
The American has declared that not even an offer in excess of £50m – the current world record – would see the club’s player of the year leave.
“There is no price at which we would consider selling Fernando Torres,” said Texas-based Hicks. “The Chelsea rumours in the media are total rubbish.”
Despite manager Rafael Benitez, chief executive Rick Parry and finally the player himself dismissing a stream of reports linking Liverpool’s top scorer with a move south, speculation has continued.
One Sunday report claimed Chelsea were planning a £40m bid to test Liverpool’s resolve, and another suggested that “one half” of Liverpool’s American ownership team was prepared to do business.
But Hicks has made it clear that despite the obvious divisions which exist at the club, all parties are united on the future of their prize asset.
THE final nail in Chelsea's bid to prise Fernando Torres from Anfield has been hammered by co-owner Tom Hicks.
The American has declared that not even an offer in excess of £50m – the current world record – would see the club’s player of the year leave.
“There is no price at which we would consider selling Fernando Torres,” said Texas-based Hicks. “The Chelsea rumours in the media are total rubbish.”
Despite manager Rafael Benitez, chief executive Rick Parry and finally the player himself dismissing a stream of reports linking Liverpool’s top scorer with a move south, speculation has continued.
One Sunday report claimed Chelsea were planning a £40m bid to test Liverpool’s resolve, and another suggested that “one half” of Liverpool’s American ownership team was prepared to do business.
But Hicks has made it clear that despite the obvious divisions which exist at the club, all parties are united on the future of their prize asset.
While Torres’ Anfield future is secure, one player who is heading for the Anfield exit door is John Arne Riise.
But the Norwegian defender is praying that he is not priced out of a move to Serie A side Roma with the Reds believed to be holding out for £5m.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has gone on record saying Riise would give his side a new dimension, and the defender said: “That was nice what was said by the coach (Spalletti), but this is only something I have heard from media reports,” said Riise.
“I have only one year of my contract left, so the price is lower than a year ago – £5m seems a little high for me.
“I need to play and need to be in a team where I can become better, because I know I can become better.
“When you change club, you get a kick-start and a set of new challenges.”
But the Norwegian defender is praying that he is not priced out of a move to Serie A side Roma with the Reds believed to be holding out for £5m.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has gone on record saying Riise would give his side a new dimension, and the defender said: “That was nice what was said by the coach (Spalletti), but this is only something I have heard from media reports,” said Riise.
“I have only one year of my contract left, so the price is lower than a year ago – £5m seems a little high for me.
“I need to play and need to be in a team where I can become better, because I know I can become better.
“When you change club, you get a kick-start and a set of new challenges.”
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utusanLFC :
I remember fondly of his bullet free-kick on the right-corner of Manure goalpost that beat a certain clown goalkeeper from France. Also the emergence of Gerrard then. wow... that was a wonderful season for Risse. You have serve this club honorably (though your own goals are beyond believes too) and for that, we shall bid you a good farewell. SALUTE! SALUTE! SALUTE!
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