Football: Record buy Torres ready to face Liverpool

LONDON: Fernando Torres insists he will be not be fazed by the prospect of making his Chelsea debut against his former club Liverpool on Sunday.

Torres made an astonishing 50 million pounds (80 million dollars) switch from Liverpool to Stamford Bridge just before Monday's transfer deadline and the Spain striker is likely to make his first appearance for Chelsea against his old mates from  this weekend.

The British record transfer fee paid by Chelsea for Torres hasn't placated some Liverpool fans, who burned replica shirts with the Spain striker's name on when news of the deal reached

Torres acknowledges it would be a potentially overwhelming moment to face Liverpool so early in his Chelsea career, but the 26-year-old has not asked to miss the Bridge clash, even though he could be taunted by Reds supporters.

"It is like the destiny," Torres said. "It is not perfect for me but we will see what happens and I only have good words about Liverpool.

"They made me a top player and gave me the chance to play at the top level.

"I will never say anything bad about Liverpool. I have been very happy there, but now the history is different and I am playing for Chelsea.

"If I have the chance to play, I will do my best for Chelsea and hopefully I can score."

While Torres enjoyed most of his time at Liverpool, he admits he first started to think about leaving at the end of last season following the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

The former Madrid star had hoped to win a host of medals when he moved to  but his trophy cabinet was still empty after four years.

The chance to play for perennial contenders Chelsea was a major driving force behind his decision to ask to leave and Torres made it clear that the Blues are on another level to Liverpool.

"I felt from last summer that I need to do a step forward in my career and for my ambition as a footballer," he tol website.

"I am joining a team that is at the top level. There is not another level after Chelsea."

Torres had for so long been the scourge of the Blues, scoring seven goals in just eight appearances against them while at.

"I want to say thanks to the Chelsea fans because I have seen them very, very happy with me for joining Chelsea," Torres said.

"If they are happy as well because I am not going to score any more against them then it is good."

After missing out on Champions League success with Liverpool, who were beaten by Chelsea in the semi-finals in 2008, Torres is desperate to help his new club dominate in Europe.

"I have a very bad memory of the semi-final of the Champions League in my first season in England when they beat us and they played the final and not us," Torres said.

"It was a frustrating day for me but hopefully now I am here we can go through to the final together and win.

"The Champions League is a big ambition and all the footballers want to play in it. It is a very important competition.

"But also Chelsea have the chance every season to win all the trophies that they play for, so when you have the chance to play in a team like this, you cannot say no.