Joining Chelsea is a big step up, says Torres

London: Fernando Torres fired a parting shot at Liverpool after joining Premier League rivals Chelsea in a British record 50 million pounds deal by saying he was taking a big step forward in his career.

The two clubs agreed a deal on the final day of the transfer window on Monday and the Spain striker put pen to paper at Stamford Bridge shortly before the 2300GMT deadline."I`m sure I am doing one big step forward in my career joining a club like Chelsea," the 26-year-old said. "I just want to be at the level I`m supposed to stay. This is a great club, a real responsibility and everyone is expecting great things about me and I`m prepared and ready for the challenge." Torres had endured a difficult season at Liverpool and submitted a written transfer request on Friday after growing tired of life at Anfield. The club have spent most of this season in the lower half of the table, having failed to qualify for the Champions League after a poor campaign the season before, and had undergone a period of instability off the pitch. Managers Rafael Benitez and Roy Hodgson left in quick succession while a lengthy ownership wrangle ended with the club changing hands in October. "Chelsea are one of the teams I want to play for," Torres, whose 81 goals in 142 games endeared him to Liverpool`s fans, said. "They are one of the biggest teams in Europe and after that there is no more steps forward." "This is the target for me as a player to play for one of the top teams in the world and I have to be very, very happy with that."Benfica defender David Luiz also joined in a 25 million euro deadline-day deal, boosting manager Carlo Ancelotti`s hopes of closing the gap on Manchester United in the Premier League and progressing further in the Champions League. "Carlo is over the moon," Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said on the club website. "He did say we needed to bring a couple of players in and I said six months ago if we had to bring someone in then it would be a big signing." "I`m sure this is great for the team and the morale, and great for the fans who have two major signings to look forward to at Stamford Bridge." Bureau Report