Torres reveals motivation issues

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has admitted he lost interest in football while struggling with form last season.

The Spaniard has found goals hard to come by since his 50-million-pound transfer from Liverpool and was often left out of the starting line-up last term as Didier Drogba excelled.

“Last season there was a moment when I lost the values I learnt when I was a child,” Torres told El Pais.

“I had many team-mates who didn’t care about winning or losing if they didn’t play. I didn’t want to be like them but there was a moment when I realised that I didn’t care either.

“I also realised I was not happy, as I was not the person I wanted to be.

“I sacrificed myself for the team, as it was the only way to play.”

Things are now looking up for the 28-year-old, with Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo installing Torres as his first-choice striker.

Torres says he is enjoying working under Di Matteo, who replaced Andre Villas-Boas last season.

“The change of coach has made me a better player,” Torres said.

“I can control now some issues I didn’t control in the past.”