Liverpool boost as Torres commits to Anfield
-
Liverpool boost as Torres commits to Anfield
Fernando Torres claims to be as committed to Liverpool as the day he joined the club.
The Spain international, who returned to training on Monday after winning the World Cup in South Africa, has been the subject of persistent speculation this summer.
However, the 26-year-old has moved to cool reports he is ready to move on.
"I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates,'' he said.
"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.''
A disappointing seventh-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League, which meant no Champions League football for the forthcoming campaign, but 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 added.
"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.''
Torres has no intention of turning his back on the Merseysiders after one difficult campaign.
"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,'' he told the club's official website.
"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.''
-
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Fernando Torres: I'm staying at Liverpool - Spain star shuns Chelsea by committing to Anfield
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.'
-
good good at least we can see more goals from liverpool.
-
i hope we will do better next season, maybe winning at least a cup? be it even it's the league cup..
COME ON KOP!