Source: Daily_Mail
£50m Fernando Torres promises a first Chelsea goal to mark his birthday
Fernando Torres is in no doubt that his 27th birthday will bring him an important present today his first Chelsea goal. [LNB]The striker knows he needs to break his duck soon and answers the question that everybody is asking with a smile on his face. [LNB]When will that elusive first goal come? 'Sunday!' he says, as relaxed as can be as he prepares for the richest match in history today at home to Manchester City. [LNB]If there is tension since his British record ?50million move to Chelsea that has yet to produce a goal in seven games, it is not showing. [LNB]If someone at Stamford Bridge has mentioned the names of Robert Fleck and Chris Sutton to him, strikers whose exalted reputations were humbled after high-profile moves to Chelsea, he is not letting on. [LNB] No pressure: Fernando Torres[LNB]For now Torres, who scored five goals in the week of his birthday last year, simply seems pleased to be out of Liverpool and in a team who are challenging for theChampions League and edging closer to the top of the table. [LNB]'There is no pressure whatsoever,' said Torres. 'People make me feel welcome here and as long as the team are winning, things are going to be easier and that is what matters. [LNB]'A month ago it looked like we couldn't fight for a position at the top of the table, but in three matches things have changed. [LNB]'Manchester United have lost and now we are closer to the top of the table and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The best part starts now. [LNB]'I'm adjusting to being here and happy with the way I'm playing. The goals will arrive. It's not important as long as the team are winning.[LNB] Enlarge 'Why did the manager leave me on the bench [against Copenhagen]? Well, that's aquestion for him. But I've seen that he is resting the players who have played every minute of the games and we have lots of matches coming up so I suppose that it won't be the first time we rotate. [LNB]'Everyone can see that there is an incredible marathon of games coming up.[LNB]'We have to believe we can win the league. Yes, there are a lot of points between us and the top but we have a head-to-head with United, which will be a pivotal game. Some of the teams at the top of the table still have to come to our ground, so we'll see.[LNB]'United have a clear advantage and it's in their hands but we have to play until the last game. [LNB]'The City game is vital because if we win we can take third place from them with a game in hand, which would be a big boost for the team and our confidence levels.' [LNB]Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic added: 'I can see how Fernando is working on the training ground and in games and he just needs goals because every striker needs goals for their confidence. He needs more time.' [LNB] Mancini backing ?50m striker Torres to come goodBalotelli must show self-discipline to reach the top, says former coach ZolaChelsea scare off Juventus by slapping ?10m price tag on BosingwaAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Fernando Torres Places: Liverpool
