(CNN)  -- New Chelsea signing Fernando Torres said his transfer deadline-day move to the English Premier League champions from division rivals Liverpool was a "step forward" in his career. After much media speculation over the striker's future, Torres joined the Blues on a five-and-half-year contract on Monday, in a deal secured just before the January transfer window came to a dramatic close. "I felt that I needed a step forward in my career and for my ambition as a footballer," the 26-year-old Torres said in an interview with the club's official website on Tuesday. "I am joining a team that is at the top level -- there is not another level after Chelsea," he added.
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Fernando Torres speaks to Chelsea TV after signing for the club on Monday
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EPL champions agreed a deal with Liverpool just before the transfer day deadline
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Spain striker's first game for Blues could be against Liverpool on Sunday
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Liverpool signed strikers Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez; Chelsea also secured David Luiz
With Torres' record-breaking deal and Liverpool reportedly paying in excess of $53 million for @placeholder, the Premier League showed little sign of being affected by the current economic situation.
With Torres' record-breaking deal and Liverpool reportedly paying in excess of $53 million for Carroll, the @placeholder showed little sign of being affected by the current economic situation.