Liverpool to unveil Torres

Liverpool have called a press conference to unveil club record signing Fernando Torres.

Torres has already delivered his farewells to the Atletico Madrid faithful and will now travel back to Merseyside for his first appearance in front of the English press.

Having passed a medical on Tuesday, Torres has put the final touches on a deal purported to be worth in the region of £26.5million.

"It has been a difficult decision to leave my all-time club," Torres told the Spanish media, in his final press conference in Madrid.

"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 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 is to inherit the number nine shirt previously graced by Liverpool legends Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler, and it is an honour he is ready to embrace at Anfield.

"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," he added.

"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' signing will be seen as a signal of intent on the behalf of Liverpool ahead of the new campaign, with Rafa Benitez thought to have prioritised a genuine title tilt for next season.

Benitez has in the past spoken of his frustration at being dwarfed in the transfer market but now, having been handed significant funds, he will be expected to deliver a side capable of winning the Premier League.

It is expected that Torres will be paid around £90,000 per week, with the Spaniard to put pen-to-paper on his six-year deal at Anfield upon his arrival in England.