Torres: I´ve joined ´one the of biggest clubs´

Fernando Torres believes he has now arrived at one of the top clubs in Europe after his record-breaking transfer from Liverpool to Chelsea.

Torres joined English Premier League champions Chelsea 50 million pounds on Monday – a record fee for a British transfer.

The Spain international, believed to be unsettled after Liverpool’s failure to secure Champions League qualification last season, handed in a transfer request on Friday.

The 26-year-old was allowed to leave after Chelsea increased their original offer to meet the minimum-fee release clause in the striker’s contract.

He will be eligible to play for Chelsea in the Champions League knock-out stages after only appearing in the Europa League with Liverpool earlier in the season.

“This is the target for every footballer – to try to play for one of the top clubs in the world,” Torres said.

“They (Chelsea) are one of the biggest teams in Europe and are always fighting for everything.”

“I’m so happy and proud to be here.”

“It’s been two, three, four very hard days for me. I’m really happy – this is a great club. I’m prepared and ready for the challenge.”

“I know there are many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the team.”

“I am looking forward very much to helping my new team-mates this season and for many years to come.”

“It’s my dream to win the Champions League and I’m sure I can, playing for Chelsea.”

Torres, who will compete with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka for a place in the Chelsea attack, was full of praise for his new colleagues.

“I am a big fan of all of the Chelsea strikers,” he said.

“When I was very young I remember Anelka was playing for Arsenal. Obviously Drogba is the best striker in the world by far.”

“It is a big responsibility for me to play alongside them because the level they have is so high.”