Rafa lands record signing Torres

Rafael Benitez believes record signing Fernando Torres is the man who can make Liverpool realistic Premier League title challengers.

The 23-year-old striker, who scored 82 goals in 214 appearances for Atletico Madrid, is delighted to have joined "the best club in Europe" on a six-year-deal.

He is reported to have cost last season's beaten Champions League finalists as much as £26.5 million, a figure which takes manager Rafael Benitez's spending past the £120 million-mark since he succeeded Gerard Houllier three years ago.

And Torres, who is reportedly set to earn £90,000 a week at Anfield, said: "It has been a difficult decision to leave my all-time club.

"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."

He continued: "The Liverpool offer arrived and I only told the club to listen to that offer because that is the team I wanted to play for. It's one of the best, if not the best, clubs in Europe."

Torres, who will wear the number nine shirt for Liverpool, will be looking to do better at Anfield than Benitez's previous striking purchases.

Fernando Morientes (£6 million), Craig Bellamy (£6 million), Dirk Kuyt (£9 million) and Peter Crouch (£7 million) have all failed to provide the dynamic goals-per-game ratio the Reds boss craves.

Torres, who will be under pressure to deliver, added: "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.

"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."

Benitez has hinted that Torres' arrival could spell the end for Wales captain Craig Bellamy at Anfield.

The Reds boss wants Crouch to stay and when asked about Bellamy's future he told reporters: "We have some clubs asking about him and it's a possibility.

"The only thing I can say is that Crouch will be staying with us. I have said to Crouch that he must fight for his position and he will stay with us."

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