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Torres pledges future to Liverpool

Fernando Torres is fully committed to Liverpool © Getty Images

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Liverpool star Fernando Torres has gone a long way to ending the speculation surrounding his future by insisting he is at "the best club".

The forward has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Chelsea and Manchester City believed to be hovering with intent, and takeover talk at the club has only muddied the waters.

Torres returned to training at Liverpool on Monday and the following day confirmed his intention to work under new Reds manager Roy Hodgson.

"I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays," Torres told the club's official website. "He told me about his plans for the club and what he wanted from me and I appreciated that.

"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. At the moment I am training just on my own but as soon as I can I will train with the team and with the new manager.

"This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high. Hopefully we can stay at our level. At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title. It was difficult last season but we are sure we can improve this season. I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates.

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

Torres has spoken at length with Reds captain Steven Gerrard and also welcomed the arrival of Joe Cole.

"I was talking to Stevie a lot today and I also met with Joe," Torres, who is recovering from injury, added. "I think Joe is exactly the kind of player we need to improve the history of our club. We are keeping our best players and so it's nice to be back with them. Hopefully we can play together as soon as possible.

He [Cole] is the kind of player I like to play with and the kind of player who can take the team to a higher level. I'm excited about playing with him and hopefully we can all help him settle into the team and the city to make sure he can reach his best as quickly as possible."

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