Chelsea break British record to land Torres
Monday, January 31, 2011
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Liverpool FC striker Fernando Torres joined Chelsea FC in a British-record €57.5m deal, with the arrival of Brazil defender David Luiz sending the London club's deadline day spending above €80.
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Liverpool FC striker Fernando Torres has joined Premier League rivals Chelsea FC in a British-record £50m (€57.5m) deal.
The 26-year-old Spanish international, who spent three and a half seasons at Anfield following his reported €30m move from Club Atlético de Madrid, penned a contract until 2016 late on Monday night. "I know there are many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the team," said Torres. "I'm looking forward to helping my new team-mates this season and for many years to come."
Torres has enjoyed considerable international success, helping Spain win the FIFA World Cup last summer after scoring the winning goal in the UEFA EURO 2008 final. He was top scorer at the UEFA European Under-16 Championship in 2001 and the U19 version a year later as Spain claimed both titles. The forward then became Atlético's youngest captain when he was 19 and went on to make 214 Liga appearances, scoring 84 goals.
He struck an impressive 65 goals in 102 Premier League matches for Liverpool, including both in a 2-0 victory against Chelsea in November, and could make his debut in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea have also confirmed the signing of SL Benfica centre-back David Luiz, who has penned a five-and-a-half year contract. The Brazilian international, 23, arrives in a deal worth up to €25m that sees Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matić head in the opposite direction.
"I am delighted to be joining a big English club, and I know very well the quality that Chelsea has," said Luiz, who moved to Benfica in January 2007 and went on to make 80 Liga appearances. "It is a major challenge for me but I am determined and confident in my ability to adapt to this excellent league, and I look forward to meeting my new-team mates."
Meanwhile, Daniel Sturridge has joined Bolton Wanderers FC on loan until the end of the season. The England Under-21 striker has made 13 league outing this season for Chelsea, all as a substitute.
The Londoners visit FC København for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie on 22 February with the return on 16 March.
