Chelsea have completed the signing of Spain striker Fernando
Torres from Liverpool in a deal reported to be worth £50
million.
Torres has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that puts his
earnings on a par with the highest paid players at Stamford Bridge
- such as captain John Terry and Frank Lampard.
Torres joined Liverpool following a £20 million move from
Atletico Madrid in 2007 and set a new record for the most prolific
foreign goalscorer ever in a debut season in England, beating
Ruud van Nistelrooy's 23 goals for Manchester United.
The 26-year-old scored 65 goals during his three year stay at
Anfield and although he helped Liverpool finish second in the
Premier League in the 2008-09 season, the club missed out on
qualification for the Champions League last term and Torres leaves
having failed to win a trophy.
That is something he will be hoping to put right at Stamford
Bridge as the reigning Premier League champions look to defend
their title and go one better than Chelsea's Champions League final
appearance in 2008.
Speaking at Stamford Bridge after finalising the move, Torres,
who was also pictured with a Chelsea shirt said: "I am very happy
with my transfer to Chelsea and I am looking forward very much to
helping my new team-mates this season and for many years to come.
Having played against Chelsea many times since coming to England,
and in some very big games I will never forget, I know there are
many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the
team. I hope I can score some important goals for the supporters to
enjoy this season."
"This is a very significant day for Chelsea, capturing one of
the best players in the world with his peak years ahead of him,"
said Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck. "We have long admired the talents
of a player who is a proven goalscorer in English football and
Fernando's arrival is a sign of our continuing high ambitious. I
hope every Chelsea fan is as excited as I am with this news."
Blues Chief executive Ron Gourlay added: "Signing a player of
the stature of Fernando Torres benefits the club on many levels.
Carlo Ancelotti was keen to add his talents to the squad as we
continue our quest for three trophies this season, we are delighted
we have succeed with that wish, and this signing will undoubtedly
aid the club in realising our worldwide potential."
Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed the loan signing of Coventry
midfielder Conor Thomas, 17, with a view to a permanent deal at the
end of the season.
