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Mascherano blames Liverpool for Torres exit

Javier Mascherano joined Barcelona in August, despite playing in Liverpool's opening game of the season © Getty Images

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Javier Mascherano claims Liverpool did not show interest in keeping him or Fernando Torres at the club.

Mascherano, who secured a move to Barcelona at the start of the season after refusing to play against Manchester City, was heavily criticised for his actions as Liverpool were seemingly forced into accepting his departure.

However, after Reds fans burned Torres shirts following his £50 million move to Chelsea on Monday, Mascherano has spoken up in defence of his former team-mate.

"I was not surprised about what happened with Fernando," he told a press conference. "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. Even though he didn't win any trophies, he was a very important player and helped this club all the time."

Following Torres' sale, Kenny Dalglish said he felt players now had more power than the clubs in transfer matters.

"Maybe it would be better for everyone if there was a more even share of responsibility and power," he said. "In years gone by, the club had it all. Now it has maybe gone a wee bit towards the players."

He added: "The most important people at the club are the ones who want to be here."

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