After Liverpool missed out on this year's Champions League, speculation had Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres potentially leaving the club, but on Tuesday the Spanish striker confirmed his intent to stay with the Reds, joining Gerrard in pledging themselves to Anfield in the wake of Roy Hodgson's hiring and Joe Cole's acquisition.
Torres's affirmation, published on the league's official web site, referenced the loyalty the 26-year-old has felt since he was originally acquired by Liverpool:
"I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates," he said."My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.
"I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Torres is coming off a World Cup that saw him and Spain win their first world title. Since, speculation has tied Torres with potential moves to Chelsea and Manchester City. With Tuesday's comments, that speculation ends, allowing Torres and Liverpool to shift focus toward improving on last year's disappointing seventh place finish:
"This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high," he added.
"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 joined Liverpool from Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2007. Since, El Niño has scored 56 goals in 78 league appearances.