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'Sharp' Torres is a man reborn at Chelsea

Fernando Torres looked lively against Portsmouth © PA Photos

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• Profile: Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres has promised Chelsea fans they will get an entirely different player when he takes to the pitch this season.

Torres became the butt of an extremely frustrating joke for Chelsea fans last season, following his £50 million move from Liverpool. The Spain international scored once in 18 appearances, as the Blues missed out on Premier League and Champions League glory at the hands of Manchester United.

This summer, though, is the first break Torres has had for five years. He returned to pre-season action with a goal against Wycombe and then an assist against Portsmouth, and he is convinced he is ready to justify his £180,000 wages.

"It was a difficult four months for me last season but now I am settled and really happy," Torres was quoted as saying in The Sun. "It's a new start for me and I am feeling sharper and fitter.

"After five years without a break I could finally enjoy my holiday this summer so I am happier after a rest and some time with my family. Now I am feeling good and ready to start the new season."

Meanwhile, new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has drawn comparisons to Jose Mourinho after outlining a clear make-up for his squad. The former Porto boss, like Mourinho, has revealed he wants a set number of players to form a unified group.

"It's pretty obvious we will go into the transfer market but I am not looking to make radical changes after just 10 days of pre-season together," said Villas-Boas. "We don't want to build a squad too high in numbers. The balance will always be 24, including three goalkeepers.

"We have identified our targets spread throughout Europe but there is not too much fuss on the time it will take. It's very early and there is still lots of time. At the moment we are comfortable just evaluating the squad."

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