Fernando Torres reaffirms commitment to Liverpool

Fernando Torres has handed Liverpool a massive boost by stating his commitment to Liverpool and giving his backing to manager Roy Hodgson.

The Spain striker has been the subject of much transfer speculation this summer, with keen interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, but he today made clear his desire to stay at Anfield.

“I am looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Torres said. “My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.”

Such is the 26-year-old’s goal-scoring record, his words will make Liverpool’s 11/8 odds to finish in the top four of the Premier League look appetising.

Since signing for Liverpool in 2007, Torres has scored a remarkable 56 goals in 79 league games and, at 7/1, would be a clever bet to win the Golden Boot.

His relatively lengthy price is affected by the fact he has only completed 30 league games once in three seasons, but if he can stay fit that accolade is well within reach.

The former Atletico Madrid star returned to training on Monday and immediately set to work on recovering from the abductor injury he suffered while playing for Spain in the World Cup final.

Torres announced he was delighted to be back on Merseyside. “I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates,” he said.

It’s clear new boss Roy Hodgson played a large role in convincing Torres that Liverpool are ready to challenge for trophies and get back into the Champions League. They are 9/1 to claim the Europa League this season.

“I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays,” stated Torres. “He told me about his plans for the club and I am really looking forward to working with him.” Hodgson is 4/1 to win the league title with Liverpool.

Liverpool finished seventh last year but Torres still has title ambitions. “At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title,” he said. “It was difficult last season but we are sure we can improve this season.” The Reds are 14/1 to win the Premier League this year.

Torres looked rusty in South Africa after coming back from knee surgery, but given this statement of intent he looks in the right mind frame to fire for Liverpool this year. His side are 7/4 to win a major trophy this season.