By dixon9
February 4 2011

Fernando Torres had his first official Chelsea press conference today.  There were so many journalists the club had to split the various media over 3 shifts during which our new striker dealt with questions regarding various subjects on Chelsea and also leaving Liverpool over a period of 1 ½ hours.

No preamble – just the main questions and answers from the press conferences:

Why did you leave Liverpool? 

"Things had changed a lot in the last year.

 "I think they have great ambition and they are doing the right things to get back, but it will take time. I didn't have that time."  

What do you say to the angry Liverpool fans?

"I only have good things to say about Liverpool people," said Torres.  

"They made me feel really good there for three-and-a-half fantastic seasons.

 "I understand they will be angry and will not understand my decision. Maybe in a few days or weeks I will explain all the reasons.  

"When I was an Atletico Madrid fan growing up, I couldn't understand it when a big player left. But with time I could understand they did the best for themselves, their families and their careers.

"I'm not asking them to understand me but I'm sure over time they will see what I did there.  

"Football is like this. From one day to the other, people can love you or hate you.”

“But there are many other Liverpool fans – not just the ones they show on the television.” 

When did you know you wanted to leave Liverpool?

"10  to 12 days before the transfer window closed."

(This time around.  Torres admitted just a few days ago that he had asked to leave Liverpool last summer but was persuaded not to - Ed).   

"As soon as I knew that Liverpool and Chelsea were talking about that, I told them that the decision was made," he said.

"I was the first one to go to the manager and tell them." 

So what made you decide upon Chelsea?

"The ambition of this team is to win trophies every year," he said.  

"That is my ambition too.

 Did you consider asking to be pulled out of Sunday's match? 

"Why? I'm a Chelsea player.

 "I'm fit and if the manager wants me to play or come on from the bench then I will. I don't have a problem with that."  

Your lack of form was one area in which you were criticised.

"Too many people are talking about that - that's just opinions. I was playing out of form for a month.  But the last month or so I am approaching my best after the summer and the world cup and I hope to reach my top form now and until the end of the season."

 Will you celebrate if you score against Liverpool? 

"First I have to play, and then I have to score ….but I have big respect for Liverpool fans so I don't think I will."

What’s your opinion on the training complexes of Cobham of Chelsea and Melwood of Liverpool? 

“They are both impressive buildings.”

 And what about the pressure of being Britain’s record signing? 

"I have been in this situation before when I signed for Liverpool. Big money means big expectation. I'm more than ready for the challenge. I'm excited abut a new life and new era."

What have Terry and Lampard said to help you since your arrival?

They ask me every day if I need anything.  They know that I have to settle down in a new city and buy a house and all things like that – and they are helping me with this.”