Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he is "really happy" at Anfield and as committed to the club as he was on the day he joined.

Torres, who returned to training on Monday after winning the World Cup with Spain in South Africa, has been the subject of persistent speculation this summer.

However, the 26-year-old has moved to quash suggestions he wants to quit Anfield.

"I am really happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates,'' he said on the club's official website.

"My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.

"I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.''

In the second half of last season Torres claimed Liverpool needed to sign four or five players in order to meet his ambitions in terms of challenging for honours.

A disappointing seventh-placed finish in the Premier League, which meant no Champions League football for the forthcoming campaign, intensified rumours he was ready to walk away - with Chelsea and Manchester City poised with British transfer record bids.

However, the former Atletico Madrid star is keen to fire them back into the top four and begin challenging for trophies again.

"This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high," he added.

"Hopefully we can stay at our level. At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title.

"It was difficult last season but we are sure we can improve this season."

Torres has always felt a love for, and loyalty to, Liverpool and has no intention of turning his back on the Merseysiders after one difficult campaign.

"From my first day I got the same welcome as Stevie (Gerrard) or Carra (Jamie Carragher) or players who have been here for a long time," he said.

"I felt at home from the first day, I feel the fans love me and everyone knows I am really happy here and really happy to play at Anfield.

"I'm looking forward to starting the season and playing with my team-mates and for the fans."

Torres' commitment to remain with Liverpool follows that of Gerrard, who made a similar pledge when he returned after the World Cup.

The only one of Liverpool's senior stars who does not want to stay on Merseyside is Javier Mascherano, who asked Roy Hodgson to allow him to leave when he came back to Melwood a week ago.

Argentina's captain is looking for a reunion with former Reds boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan but Hodgson will not allow the midfielder to leave unless it suits the club.

It is likely to take a bid in excess of £25million to persuade the 62-year-old Englishman to part with one of his key players but he is already reported to be lining up a replacement, with Standard Liege's Steven Defour and Juventus' Christian Poulsen suggested alternatives.