my liverpool fc

FERNANDO TORRES has completed his move from Atletico Madrid to Liverpool after signing a six-year contract.

The 23-year-old striker, whose transfer has been reported to have cost the Anfield side up to £26.5million, passed a medical at the club's Melwood training ground on Tuesday.

He briefly flew back to his homeland to say an emotional goodbye to fans in Madrid before arriving back on Merseyside on Wednesday to complete the formalities of the transfer.

"The Liverpool offer arrived and I told the club to listen to that offer as that is the team I wanted to play for," said the Spanish international.

"It's one of the best, if not the best, club in Europe."

"It has been a difficult decision to leave my all-time club," he said.

"But it would have been hard for me to reject Liverpool's offer. It is a big leap for me and I think it was the right thing for everyone.

"The time comes in the life of a player that he needs more challenges.

"I have always done what was best for the club, too."

"The fact that Liverpool are giving me the number nine jersey just goes to show the confidence they have placed in me, when considering those who have worn that shirt before me," said Torres.

"A new beautiful adventure begins for me and I hope that with work and effort I can be among the best players.

"This is a unique opportunity for me. Liverpool aspire to everything and that has been an important factor in my decision to go there.

I want to adapt as quickly as possible. I think Premiership is a football that adapts well to my style.

"I will arrive with a lot of joy and ambition."

Torres will wear the number nine shirt recently vacated by Robbie Fowler and is likely to make his debut on the Reds' pre-season tour of Switzerland.