Back in town: Torres trains at Melwood after returning from World Cup dutyFernando Torres finally ended doubts over his future on Tuesday by committing himself to Liverpool and describing them as 'the best club in the country'.
Breaking his silence after months of uncertainty, Liverpool's £21million record signing dashed Chelsea's hopes of luring him away and set his sights on bringing the League title back to Anfield after a 21-year absence.
With Chelsea pursuing him for most of the summer, and Liverpool just as intent on keeping him, it became increasingly clear the stand-off would only be resolved by Torres going public on his intentions.
After several discussions with manager Roy Hodgson, and a promise that Chinese businessman Kenny Huang is ready to bankroll a new era, he sided firmly with Liverpool and sounded a rallying call for the season ahead.
Hodgson last night agreed a £5.5m fee for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen after Torres banished fears he may be angling for a fresh start, having claimed last season the club needed to make 'four or five' top-class signings.
Roy joy: Hodgson will be delighted to retain his two star playersThe Spain striker said: 'My commitment and loyalty to the club and fans is the same as the day I signed, and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.
'From that first day, I received the same welcome as Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher, or players who have been here a long time. I felt at home straightaway. I feel the fans love me, and everyone knows I am really happy here and really happy to play at Anfield.
'I am looking forward to playing with my team-mates and for the fans. I'm really happy to be back and to be with all my team-mates. This is the best club in the country, so the targets and expectations are always going to be high.
'It was difficult last season, but we are sure we can improve this time. At Liverpool, the aim is to fight for every title, and that will be the case again. I know that one trophy here at Liverpool - maybe the Premier League - means more than three or four with another club. Winning it was my target from day one, and it still is. Hopefully, this season we can feel that sensation at Anfield.'
The breakthrough added further momentum to Hodgson's positive start as Liverpool boss, after he persuaded Real Madrid target Gerrard to pledge himself to Anfield, and Torres paid tribute to the way he had been coaxed into staying.
'I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was away on holiday,' he said. 'He told me about his plans for the club, and what he wanted from me, and I appreciated that.
In the running: Torres can't wait for the season to start after returning to training with Liverpool'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. I was talking to Stevie (Gerrard) a lot today, and I also met Joe Cole. I think Joe is exactly the kind of player we need to improve the history of our club.
'He is the kind of player I like to play with, and the sort who can take the team on to a higher level. His passing is unbelievable, and I am sure he will be a key player for us. We are keeping our best players, as well, and it is so nice to be back with them.
'Winning the World Cup happens maybe once in your lifetime, so it was a fantastic feeling to win the final and a great way to end the season. But after having a break, I am glad to be back here at Liverpool and really looking forward to our first game.
'I am excited about the new season and the targets for the club. I have less than two weeks to get ready, but I felt really good in my first session back with the physios and the doctor. I will try to be fit as soon as possible because I want to be setting foot on the pitch at Anfield again.'
Staying put: Captain Gerrard (left) is also committed to LiverpoolJavier Mascherano's move to Inter Milan moved a step closer following reports in Italy that his agent had travelled to the San Siro for talks with club officials.
The move seems certain to go through, with Danish international Poulsen, 30, a ready-made replacement. After a fee was agreed, his agent is due at Anfield today to discuss personal terms.
Should Huang succeed with his takeover bid in the next couple of weeks, and release the biggest transfer budget in Liverpool's history, more signings will follow.
Another player seemingly on his way out, at the second attempt, is left back Emiliano Insua, whose £4.8m move to Fiorentina broke down at the last minute, following a dispute over the structure of payment for his wages.
It is understood Borussia Monchengladbach have made an enquiry about the Argentine's availability after he returned to Anfield and played in Sunday's friendly against the German side.
An impressive performance caught the eyes of Monchengladbach's coaching staff and could lead to a deal going through.
Fabio Aurelio's re-signing, just weeks after former manager Rafa Benitez had deemed him surplus to requirements, means Hodgson can now let Insua depart.
source: dailymail
