Torres admits Chelsea struggles

Chelsea forward Fernando Torres admits he has struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge following his switch from Liverpool in January.

The 27-year-old scored just one goal last season after his 50-million-pound move to west London, with his debut strike coming in April against West Ham on his 14th appearance for the club.

While Torres has been in better form this campaign, he has suggested the switch from Merseyside, and the lack of fellow Spaniards at Chelsea, all contributed towards his barren period immediately following his move.

“They have no similarity, neither in their past nor in their present. My adaptation process for each has been completely distinct,” Torres told Esquire Espana.

“Chelsea is in London, a huge city. I come from Madrid, also a great European capital, but this is much more of everything, for good and for bad.”

“It’s been difficult for me to adapt here compared to when I arrived in Liverpool, a more comfortable place, smaller, where I was surrounded by Spanish team-mates.”

“In the end, the important thing is to try and organise yourself as quickly as possible. That’s what I’m doing.”

The Spanish international also insisted his price tag is ‘just a number’, and that Xabi Alonso’s departure from Anfield to Real Madrid was a key factor behind his decision to leave Liverpool.

“That’s just a number. The only thing I know is that opportunities such as the one Chelsea offered me cannot be turned down. The important thing is the confidence they have in me,” he said.

“Liverpool was going down a strange path. Personally, I believe the departure of Xabi Alonso to Madrid was a clear message that something was changing.”

“I have the ambition to improve and Chelsea could offer me what every footballer desires, titles.”

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League standings, nine points behind leaders Manchester City. The Blues will take on Torres’ former club Liverpool on November 20 after the international break.