Liverpool Can Make My Dreams Come True - Torres

Fernando Torres believes that he can achieve all the ambitions at Liverpool at he was unable to at Atlético de Madrid and claims that was the key reason he switched clubs.

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The Spain international striker recognises that he has taken a step up after his €32m transfer to Anfield and is relishing the prospect of working under Rafael Benítez.

“I know how much everyone at Liverpool want to win the title because it’s been many years since the club has done it,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“But with the squad we have right now I’m sure we can compete for all the trophies.

“Unfortunately, Atletico isn’t at the level it should be given the size of the club and its history. I hoped to reach certain targets and achieve ambitions with Atletico but it wasn’t possible.

“Liverpool are always competing for the league or Champions League and I feel I needed to take this step to compete against the best players in the world.

“After being in two Champions League finals in three years, Liverpool has the respect it deserves so it’s not difficult to understand why I would want to come here.

“There were other factors in my decision, of course. Having a Spanish manager and other Spanish players who’ve told me about the club makes it better for me, but mainly I want to compete for important trophies.”

Torres is enjoying the adulation of his new fans without having kicked a ball yet, but he knows that the hard work is to come and is ready to show what he can do.

“If I had the idea I’d already be a success just by joining Liverpool, I wouldn’t have come,” the 23-year-old continued.

“To achieve the level the people here demand of me I know I will have to work hard all the time.

“To hit this level I must be focused completely on my football. I could have stayed where I was comfortable, but what attracted me to Liverpool is it’s a working team.

“The manager has put a mentality into the team that means everyone must work hard for success.

“This is known to be a key characteristic of Benítez’s side and I like this."

After rising through the ranks at Atlético, Torres became an icon of the Spanish club and he thinks that there are similarities between his new and old teams.

“I also like that Liverpool is a working class area with supporters who I believe are similar to those of Atletico, who appreciate and respect hard work," he explained.

“At this kind of club, there is usually a special bond between the players and the supporters. It means there is a different spirit about the city and the club compared to some others.

“Although the players have told me about the mentality of the Liverpool people, and how the fans are, I don’t think this is something which can be explained in words.

“It is only something I can understand when I play my first game at Anfield against Chelsea. Then I will fully know about the relationship between the Liverpool supporters and the players.

“Every club has its own identity and players who are icons, but it takes time, good performance and good results to earn respect,” he says.

“I understand that Liverpool has (Jamie) Carragher and Steven Gerrard who have that link with the supporters because they’ve been here and great players for a long time.

“At Atletico, I was young and a supporter of the club so I had a similar relationship with the fans, but I recognise to achieve the same here will only be possible with hard work. I can promise I will try my best.

“Everything has been perfect so far. I’ve only had a small opportunity to walk around the city but the reception towards me has been very warm, which instantly makes me feel comfortable.

“I’ve been amazed by the club because already I see the big difference in the organisation of the English and Spanish clubs in terms of the attention shown to the players.

“It makes me realise there is still a lot to learn in Spain. I would like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome.”