Torres: I'm a hol lot better now

Posted Monday, July 18, 2011 by The Sun

Torres: I'm a hol lot better now
LUCKY BREAK ... Torres after Ben-Haim own goal

FERNANDO TORRES is finally ready to show why he is worth £50million after his first holiday in five years.

Chelsea's £180,000-a-week striker has been an unmitigated disaster since his record-breaking move from Liverpool in January.

But the Spanish international promised he is now set to deliver as he flew to Malaysia last night for Chelsea's pre-season tour of the Far East.

Torres said: "It was a difficult four months for me last season but now I am settled and really happy.

"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."

Torres, 27, managed just one goal in 18 appearances for Chelsea last season as his new team finished the season empty handed and manager Carlo Ancelotti was sacked.

But he scored in last week's behind-closed-doors win over Wycombe and set up the only goal of Saturday's 1-0 win at Portsmouth, turned into his own net by Tal Ben-Haim.

New boss Andre Villas-Boas will use the next two weeks to decide who has a future at the club and who will get the chop.
He has taken 29 players with him to the Far East but will whittle his squad down to 24 before the new season starts. Villas-Boas said: "I have 15 days and four games in Asia to continue to assess the players and decisions will have to be taken when we get back.

"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.

"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.

"Normally people are expected to arrive at Chelsea and make radical changes but we are taking everything on board before taking the right decisions.

"It's very early and there is still lots of time. At the moment we are comfortable just evaluating the squad."

Young keeper Thibaut Courtois, 19, will join Chelsea in the Far East after a £6m fee was agreed with Belgian club Genk at the weekend.