Torres gives Liverpool huge fillip by staying on

The striker has cited a desire to write his place in the history books as one of the reasons for staying at Liverpool.

Fernando Torres cited a desire to write his place in the history books as one of the reasons for staying at Liverpool. The 26-year-old striker was linked with a move away from the club after their disappointing seventh-placed Premier League finish last season, with Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly ready to make British record bids. But the Spaniard is staying put so that he can attempt to bring a long-awaited league title back to Anfield as he reaffirmed his love for, and loyalty to, Liverpool yesterday.

When Rafael Benitez, the former manager, brought the Atletico Madrid star over from Spain to sign for the Liverpool in the summer of 2007, Torres was given a DVD highlighting the club's long and glorious history. While he was holed up in a Liverpool city centre hotel awaiting the completion of the finer points of his transfer, it was those iconic images on his television set - and subsequently the response from fans who immediately took him to their hearts - which cemented his relationship with the Anfield club. But Torres did not fail to notice that on the DVD there was no mention of a league title since 1990 - and that is something he is desperate to rectify.

"I know that one trophy here at Liverpool - maybe the Premier League - means more than three or four with another club," he said. "This was my target from the day I came and it's still my target. Hopefully this season we can feel this sensation here at Liverpool. "This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high. At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title. It was difficult last season but we are sure we can improve this season."

* PA