re: Fernando Torres - What once was

To use an analogy from Bho´s world, Torres was a promising thoroughbred, with a steamrolling gazelle stride (contradictory concepts, but applicable in this case), and a modicum of technical proficiency, at that time.

He was the font of much controversy in Spain, he was both loved and loathed, in terms of being a talent or top flight player of superstar calibre.

Barça would have been the logical destination for an Atleti player, but they didn´t want him. Very few go from Manzanares to Chamartín, and vice versa, and Real Madrid definitely had no interest in him. He was an idol at Manzanares, but supported the ´meh´ moniker of many a pundit and fan.

He could not go anywhere else in Spain, and get the wages his agents were commanding.

The most surprised with his initial success on the Isles were the Spanish public at large.

Bho would say he´s no Secretariat, and is one of multiple horses who looked the part, but didn´t pan out.