Fernando Torres who earlier this week was reported to be made available by Chelsea for a cut price £20 million in January has been told by manager Andre Villas-Boas to up his game and prove he has the right to wear the coveted number 9 jersey at Stamford Bridge.
Villas-Boas came out on Thursday and stated that Torres was not for sale at any price, after mounting media speculation suggested that Chelsea were prepared to cut their losses on their record signing and let him leave next month during the transfer window.
However, speaking to the media before Chelsea’s trip away to Wigan on Saturday in the Premier League, Villas-Boas told the gathered media:
“It’s not true, he is not available at any price. We are pretty sure when Fernando is called up he will respond with the quality and talent he has. We have to make the best decisions for the team.”
Villas-Boas is obviously of the view that Torres is still of the quality that earnt him a £50 million move to Stamford Bridge and is now imploring the Spanish international to live up to his huge price tag and also earn the right to wear the number 9 on his shirt.
This view is also shared by former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez who brought Torres to England from Atletico Madrid whilst Liverpool manager, with Benitez speaking to the BBC saying:
“He has to work hard in the training sessions and be ready. Drogba is playing well now but he will leave. Fernando has to show he is as good as we know he is.”
