Torres claims critics only look at his first six months at Blues

Posted Wednesday, June 26, 2013 by The Sun

FERNANDO TORRES claims critics only look at his first six months at Chelsea and ignore his achievements since.

The Spanish hitman netted just once in 18 games after his British record £50million move from Liverpool in January 2011.

But last season Torres bagged 23 goals — including the opener in the 2-1 Europa League final win over Benfica.

Torres, 29, declared: “I think that everyone has in their heads my first year at Chelsea, which was not good, more than reality itself.

“I am pleased with my performances, although I demanded an awful lot more from myself. Things are returning to normality for me.

“I feel very well, physically well despite the fact it was a very long season. I am comfortable, strong and fast.”

Torres’ first full season at Stamford Bridge saw him win the Champions League.

But the striker was still unhappy after only scoring 11 times — although he was then leading scorer with three as Spain triumphed at Euro 2012.

Even last term’s tally of 23 Chelsea goals only included eight in the Premier League.

He has followed that up with five goals in the Confederations Cup to fire Spain into a semi-final clash with Italy tomorrow.

Torres topped a poll as Spain fans’ choice to start up front tomorrow ahead of David Villa and Roberto Soldado.

It is a firm indication he is winning over doubters and represents an amazing turnaround after being dropped by Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque at the end of last year.

World and European Champions Spain have received some criticism for their performances so far in Brazil, even after beating Nigeria 3-0, to top their group after winning all three matches.

Torres continued: “You win 3-0 in a major tournament and there are people who think you can do more.

“We have gone through generations that got knocked out, that lost matches, who would take a 1-0 win in any place.

“Now, even if we win 3-0, it is not to people’s taste.”

Spain have won all three major tournaments since beating Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 — and thrashed the Azzurri 4-0 in last year’s Euro final in Kiev.

But Torres, who hit the third goal in that win, warned: “All the team know what Italy has meant for Spain throughout history.

“They have knocked us out of World Cups and European Championships. We know what we have to do.”