Sean Mullan/Goal.com
London: Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is looking forward to the task of replacing Blues legend Didier Drogba up front at Stamford Bridge.
Drogba ensured iconic status at the west London club by scoring the equalising goal against Bayern Munich before slotting home the winning penalty to give Chelsea their first ever Champions League trophy in May.
He has since moved to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on a free transfer, and now Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo is likely to turn to Torres to provide the goals.
"I am looking forward to it," the Spaniard told the clubs official website. "I like the responsibility and it`s a thing I`ve been doing all my life.
"I think Didier did everything for this club. Scoring the winning goal in the Champions League was an inspiration for us.
"Our relationship was great and I was talking to him when he decided to leave. He wished me all the best and hopefully one day Chelsea fans will remember me as they are going to remember him."
Torres struggled to find his best form last season, managing just 11 goals in all competitions and often playing second fiddle to Drogba in the starting line-up.
But after helping Spain to win Euro 2012 and picking up the Golden Boot in the process, `El Nino` is now eagerly anticipating the new campaign.
"It was an amazing summer for us (Spain), especially for Juan Mata and me, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and were then with the Spanish team and won in Europe, which means everything," he added.
"We know we have big expectations this year. There are a lot of trophies to win and we are ready for the challenge. I am sure it is going to be a good season."
First Published: Sunday, July 29, 2012, 11:11