Pepe Reina respects Torres decision to leave

Pepe Reina says Fernando Torres' decision to quit Liverpool must be respected, but admits the striker "maybe didn't leave at the right time".

Reina is preparing to face his international team-mate for the first time since the Spanish goalkeeper left Villarreal for Merseyside in 2005.

Torres is expected to make his Chelsea debut as the Reds take on the Blues in what is sure to be a highly-charged match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with some Liverpool fans upset by comments made by the 26-year-old upon his exit.

Some felt betrayed by their former idol on the Kop, who took the decision to leave Anfield due to the transitional process taking place and his will to be in the mix to win trophies during the peak of his career.

Reina admitted that whilst the timing of Torres' departure was not the best, his desire to further his career had to be respected.

"He decided to leave because he thought it was an opportunity to keep growing as a player and we have to respect that," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"Some of the people are saying he's being disrespectful, with Liverpool, but all that Fernando gave to Liverpool was huge.

"He grew up as a Liverpool player and Liverpool has also grown as he's been a player on the team.

"At the end of the day, it's daily business, players come and go. It's the club and supporters who are the most important thing for the club."

"Fernando was great for us for three-and-a-half seasons, and we wish him all the best.

"I think he did everything for this club.

"He maybe didn't leave at the right time, but it was an opportunity for him and he left £50million in the bank which was double the price that he was."

Reina's side began the post-Torres era in positive fashion with a 2-0 victory over Stoke, with 22.8million capture Luis Suarez coming off the bench to score the second

The most expensive English player in history, Andy Carroll was also in the crowd wtaching on as he wairs for his return from injury.

"Liverpool will always attract good players because it's an historic club. It's one of the big four teams in England," Reina added.

"The people will always want to come here, that's clear.

"I hope for many more of the goals that Luis scored within 30 minutes of coming on on Wednesday. We have to welcome him, and Carroll as well."