• Premier League

Chelsea complete £50m Torres signing

ESPN staff
January 31, 2011
Fernando Torres has completed his move to Chelsea © Getty Images
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Chelsea have completed the signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool on a contract until 2016, making him the most expensive player in the history of British football.

The Spaniard successfully completing a medical on Monday evening, overcoming the final stumbling block in a transfer that took some time to conclude. The 26-year-old has agreed a five-and-a-half-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

The fee has not been disclosed by either club, but it is believed to be in the region of £50 million, with the player set to earn around £8m-a-year over the course of his contract.

"I am very happy with my transfer to Chelsea and I am looking forward very much to helping my new team-mates this season and for many years to come," Torres said. "Having played against Chelsea many times since coming to England, and in some very big games I will never forget, I know there are many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the team.

"I hope I can score some important goals for the supporters to enjoy this season."

Torres travelled to London after the two clubs reached an agreement on Monday evening, and agreed personal terms after he successfully completed a medical to ensure the deal was finalised before the transfer window closed at 11pm on Monday.

After joing Liverpool from boyhood club Atletico Madrid in 2007, Torres scored 65 goals in 102 league appearances for Liverpool, 81 in 142 in all competitions. He will be unveiled by Chelsea, alongside fellow new signing David Luiz, later this week.

"This is a very significant day for Chelsea, capturing one of the best players in the world with his peak years ahead of him," club chairman Bruce Buck said. "We have long admired the talents of a player who is a proven goalscorer in English football and Fernando's arrival is a sign of our continuing high ambitions.

"I hope every Chelsea fan is as excited as I am with this news."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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