Torres: I can replace Drogba

Fernando Torres insists he is the man to replace the departed Didier Drogba as Chelsea’s senior striker.

The Spaniard is the only established striker in Roberto Di Matteo’s squad following the 34-year-old’s exit to Shanghai Shenhua after securing Champions League victory in his final game for the Blues.

Despite suffering a sluggish start to his career at Stamford Bridge, the former Liverpool man has enjoyed a revival of sorts with three goals to his name already this season.

“Didier is not here anymore, so there is more responsibility for me and I’m ready for the challenge,” the 28-year-old told the Daily Star Sunday.

“Now, I am looking for new personal targets, like getting as many goals as possible – hopefully more than in my best season at Liverpool.”

Several new players were brought in by Di Matteo during a busy off-season in the transfer market following the club’s European triumph over Bayern Munich.

But Torres believes it is now time for the Chelsea to focus on domestic matters once more.

“I think all the fans are excited about the Premier League again, after a couple of years of not winning the trophy,” he said.

“So the Premier League is a big target and maybe we can become the first team to win two Champions Leagues in a row.

“I think it’s a good time – especially for me – to give something back to the fans.”