Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield by insisting he is extremely happy to be at "the best club in the country".
Torres, who returned to training on Monday after winning the World Cup with Spain, has been the subject of persistent transfer rumours after Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League and manager Rafa Benitez left the club.
Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City had both been touted as potential suitors but Torres, 26, has moved to quash suggestions he is ready to move on.
"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. "I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates.
"This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high. At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title. It was difficult last season, but we are sure we can improve this season."
New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson always maintained that he wanted to keep the Reds' record-signing at the club and Torres said he was impressed to have been paid a personal visit.
"I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays," Torres 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."
Torres' commitment to remain with Liverpool follows that of skipper Steven Gerrard, who made a similar pledge when he returned after the World Cup.
The only one of Liverpool's senior stars who does not want to stay on Merseyside is Javier Mascherano, who asked Hodgson to allow him to leave when he came back to Melwood a week ago.
Argentina's captain is looking for a reunion with Benitez at Inter Milan but Hodgson will not allow the midfielder unless the club recieves an offer in excess of £25 million.
By Soccernet
04 August 2010
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