Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he is "committed to the club and fans" and is "looking forward to working with new Reds manager Roy Hodgson".

Torres, 26, had been linked to Chelsea and Manchester City ever since the club failed to qualify for this season's Champions League.

"I am looking forward to the challenge ahead," Torres told the club's website.

"My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed."

The Spain international returned to training on Monday after helping his nation win the World Cup in South Africa in July.

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However, Torres, who is recovering from the adductor injury he sustained in the final against the Netherlands, is delighted to be back at the club.

"I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates," he said.

Liverpool finished seventh last season in the Premier League, failing to win a trophy, with manager Rafael Benitez also leaving the club after six years in charge at Anfield.

As the dismal 2009/10 season drew to a conclusion, Torres claimed the Reds needed to sign four or five players in order to meet his ambitions in terms of challenging for honours.

Liverpool have only added attacking midfielder Joe Cole, Serbian forward Milan Jovanvoic and defender Danny Wilson to the squad, while Yossi Benayoun has joined Chelsea and Argentina defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano is also set to leave.

However, with new manager Hodgson at the helm the former Atletico Madrid star is keen to fire the Reds back into the top four of the Premier League and begin challenging for trophies again.

"This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high," added Torres who arrived from Atletico in July 2007.

"Hopefully we can stay at our level. At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title.

"It was difficult last season but we are sure we can improve this season."

Torres was visited in Spain after the World Cup by Hodgson who later said he expected the striker to stay at the club.

And the Madrid-born striker who endured an injury-plagued season last year has admitted Hodgson's visit played an important part his decision to commit to Liverpool.

"I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays," stated Torres.

"He told me about his plans for the club and what he wanted from me and I appreciated that. I hope he will be the right man to reach the targets of Liverpool Football Club and I am really looking forward to working with him."

With talk of a takeover of the club also, Torres comments will be a further boost to Liverpool fans ahead of the new season.

Torres has always felt a love for, and loyalty to, Liverpool and has no intention of turning his back on the Merseysiders after one difficult campaign.

"From my first day I got the same welcome as Stevie [Gerrard] or Carra [Jamie Carragher] or players who have been here for a long time," he said.

"I felt at home from the first day, I feel the fans love me and everyone knows I am really happy here and really happy to play at Anfield.

"I'm looking forward to starting the season and playing with my team-mates and for the fans."

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