Fernando Torres has pledged his commitment to Liverpool despite
Chelsea's bid to prise the World Cup winner from Anfield.
The Spain striker had been reluctant to talk about his future
while on international duty, but after talks with Roy Hodgson and
the Anfield hierarchy, he has delighted fans by declaring his
happiness on Merseyside.
Back in town: Torres trains at Melwood after
returning from World Cup duty
'I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my
team-mates,' said Torres. 'My commitment and loyalty to the club
and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I
signed. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.'
Roy joy: Hodgson will be delighted to retain his
two star players
Chelsea had targeted the 26-year-old, while Manchester City and
Barcelona were also monitoring his availability.
Torres wanted reassuring that Liverpool would remain ambitious
and competitive, and emerged satisfied from talks with Hodgson and
managing director Christian Purslow.
Captain Steven Gerrard made the first step by snubbing interest
from Real Madrid in favour of staying loyal to Liverpool and Torres
has followed suit after returning to training at Melwood this
week.
In the second half of last season Torres claimed Liverpool
needed to sign four or five players in order to meet his ambitions
in terms of challenging for honours.
A disappointing seventh-placed finish in the Barclays Premier
League, which meant no Champions League football for the
forthcoming campaign, raised questions about his future.
However, the former Atletico Madrid star is keen to fire them
back into the top four and begin challenging for trophies
again.
'This is the best club in the country so the targets and
expectations are always high,' he said. 'Hopefully we can stay at
our level. At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title. It was
difficult last season but we are sure we can improve this
season.'
In the running: Torres can't wait for the season to
start after returning to training with Liverpool
Torres has always felt a love for, and loyalty to, Liverpool and
said: 'From my first day I got the same welcome as Stevie (Gerrard)
or Carra (Jamie Carragher) or players who have been here for a long
time.
'I felt at home from the first day, I feel the fans love me and
everyone knows I am really happy here and really happy to play at
Anfield.
'I'm looking forward to starting the season and playing with my
team-mates and for the fans.'
Torres revealed that talks with Gerrard helped him make a
decision and the signing of Joe Cole on a free transfer from
Chelsea was seen as a step in the right direction.
Staying put: Captain Gerrard (left) is also
committed to Liverpool
'I really appreciated the fact that Roy (Hodgson) came out to
see me while I was on my holidays,' said Torres.
'He told me about his plans for the club and what he wanted from
me and I appreciated that. I hope he will be the right man to reach
the targets of Liverpool Football Club and I am really looking
forward to working with him.
'I was talking to Stevie a lot today and I also met with Joe. I
think Joe is exactly the kind of player we need to improve the
history of our club.
'We are keeping our best players and so it's nice to be back
with them. Hopefully we can play together as soon as possible.'