Fernando Torres Loyal to Liverpool
Liverpool’s star striker Fernando Torres has said he is dedicated to his club, despite speculation linking him with a move elsewhere. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner told Liverpool's official website that his “commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.”
He added that he is “looking forward to the challenge ahead” and is anticipating “working with new Reds manager Roy Hodgson,” after returning to training this week following his successful venture to South Africa with the Spainish international team.
Woeful season
After Liverpool endured a woeful 2009-10 English Premier League (EPL) season by the club’s lofty standards, finishing in seventh place and failing to win any silverware, Torres was touted for a move to EPL champions Chelsea and big-spending Manchester City. One of the EPL’s traditional ‘Big Four’ with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal, the Reds have won a joint-record 18 league titles as well as five European Cups, but failed to qualify for this season’s UEFA Champions League tournament. Instead, Torres will be hoping his club progresses through the qualifying stages of the UEFA Europa League.
The Spain forward is recovering from an injury he suffered in the World Cup final against Holland and spoke of his delight to be back at his club. He said: “I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates."
Striker seeks trophies
Torres added that he is determined to fire the Reds to glory this season under the helm of his new boss, who visited him in Spain after the World Cup. He said: "This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high. 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.
"I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays. 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."
Torres arrived on Merseyside three years ago from Athletico Madrid and instantly became a hero with the club’s fans thanks to his pace, fine dribbling skills, and his keen eye for goal. In his first season, he banged in 33 goals in 46 games, a terrific return for a striker playing in the EPL.
He added that he adores playing for Liverpool and loves the club's fans. He 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."
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