I''m no traitor, insists Chelsea newboy Torres

London, Feb 5 (AFP) Fernando Torres insists he is not atraitor after the Chelsea striker was accused of betrayingLiverpool.

Torres is set to make an emotionally-charged Chelseadebut against his former club tomorrow just a week aftercompleting his controversial British record transfer fromLiverpool.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish admitted he was disappointed bythe timing of Torres''s move, which was finalised just hoursbefore the close of the transfer window.

Torres was well below his best for much of this seasonand handed in a transfer request in an attempt to forcethrough the move once he became aware of Chelsea''s interest,prompting some fans and former players to claim the Spainforward had been sulking for months.

But Torres is adamant he was always completely dedicatedto the Liverpool cause and he slammed those who criticised theway he left Anfield.

"I think it is not fair. It makes no sense. I playedthree very good seasons there and scored lots of goals,"Torres said.

"I understand it was a difficult situation, especially inthe transfer window, but I have to think about my career.

"Everyone will see it is a step forward. I know the plansChelsea have for the future, the ambition they have and whatthey want to achieve.

"They want to build a great team and keep competing withMan Utd and Man City to be the best club in England and tofight for the Champions League.

"When I will be 45 I would like to look back and say I amreally lucky to have this picture of me as a champion.

"I explained my feelings and was honest with everyone.

Everything was straight, the main thing was to be honest andfair.

"Obviously they didn''t want me to leave, they tried topersuade me to stay but I told them I had made my decision.

"I don''t know how the fans will be but it would be asurprise for me if I get a really bad reception."

During his three-and-a-half years at Liverpool, Torreshad appeared totally devoted to the Reds and he even claimedhe would never play for another English club.

That pledge was swiftly consigned to history onceLiverpool began to struggle and Chelsea came calling, butTorres insists he has never been the badge-kissing type whotakes the plaudits then walks out when the going gets tough.

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