Chelsea's Torres Vows 'I Will Score'
Chelsea's misfiring striker Fernando Torres on Tuesday swatted away fears over his form since his £50 million ($82 million) switch from Liverpool, vowing to end his goal drought in the new season.
Torres, who scored once in 18 appearances in a miserable four months last season, remains a concern for Chelsea after failing to find the target in the club's two Asia tour outings ahead of their Premier League start on August 14.
Critics have questioned whether the Spaniard, recruited for a British transfer record, has the ability to help the west London outfit win trophies under new manager Andre Villas-Boas.
But speaking to reporters in Hong Kong, where Chelsea end their tour this week with two games in the Barclays Asia Trophy, Torres hit back at his doubters.
"I'm 27. Don't worry I don't forget to score goals... I will score," said the World Cup-winning Spain international.
"It's going to be a big season. My form is ok, it's time to be fit and ready. We're trying to get into the best form. We have got big expectations and I can see the winning mentality we have (at Chelsea)."
Torres, who became a Liverpool legend with his rampant goal-scoring, did not make the score sheet in Chelsea's labored 1-0 win over Malaysia or their 4-0 victory in Thailand.
His dry spell has prompted speculation that Chelsea may have bought a striker on the wane and leaves Villas-Boas, who arrived from Porto for £13.3 million, with a dilemma over whether the star forward merits a starting spot.
Last season Torres failed to gel in a front two with Ivorian Didier Drogba, casting doubt over whether the dream pairing can ever work.
His dire form has been cited as one of the reasons for the sacking of previous boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Chelsea play Hong Kong champions Kitchee on Wednesday and, if they win, they face either Aston Villa and Blackburn in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy on Saturday.
Frank Lampard said the presence of rival Premier League sides in the exhibition tournament would motivate his team.
"It's two big games for us, it's very important we're at the level we'll need to play at in the Premier League in two weeks," he said.
Torres, Lampard goalkeeper Petr Cech and forward Salomon Kalou took part in a football 'clinic' at Chelsea's Hong Kong soccer school, sharing skills and tips in a short session with young fans.
A smiling Torres failed to hit the back of the net in four attempts.
Source: Agence France Presse
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