Fernando Torres: I’m as committed to Liverpool as ever

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has confirmed he will be staying at Anfield this season.

The World Cup winner’s future was in doubt after a disappointing season on Merseyside which saw Liverpool finish seventh in the League and Torres miss a substantial number of games through injury.

Torres was believed to be wanted by Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona but today the 26-year-old front man has given fans assurances he will be at Anfield for the next Premier League campaign.

“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,” Torres said on his return to Merseyside.

“From my first day I got the same welcome as Stevie or Carra 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 teammates and for the fans. This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high”

Torres is also looking forward to working with new Reds boss Roy Hodgson, as well as playing alongside new signing Joe Cole, who the Spanish striker spoke to upon his return to training yesterday.

“I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays,” he said.

“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. At the moment I am training just on my own but as soon as I can I will train with the team and with the new manager.

“I was talking to Stevie (Gerrard) a lot today and I also met with Joe (Cole). 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.

“He is the kind of player I like to play with and the kind of player who can take the team to a higher level. His passing is unbelievable so hopefully he can start the season well because I am sure he will be a key player for us.”