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Chelsea new boy Fernando Torres said he left Liverpool because they were a club in transition and a long way from delivering the success he craves.
Torres, signed for a British record £50m on Monday, said: "Things had changed a lot in the last year.
"I think they have great ambition and they are doing the right things to get back but it will take time. I didn't have that time."
Torres said he would not celebrate if he scores against Liverpool on Sunday.
Chelsea's deadline-day capture of Torres was the catalyst for a manic Monday of spending, in which Liverpool replaced the Spaniard with the £35m Andy Carroll and £22.7m Luis Suarez.
Torres, a World Cup winner in 2010 and European champion in 2008 with Spain, spent three-and-a-half years at Liverpool after joining from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £20m, scoring 81 goals in 142 matches.
But the manner of his departure, which came three days after the Spaniard put in a transfer request, has angered some Liverpool fans, who are likely to make their feelings known at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
"I only have good things to say about Liverpool people," said Torres. "They made me feel really good there for 3 1/2 fantastic seasons.
"I understand they will be angry and will not understand my decision. Maybe in a few days or weeks I will explain all the reasons.
"When I was an Atletico Madrid fan growing up I couldn't understand it when a big player left.
"I'm not asking them to understand me but I'm sure over time they will see what I did there.
"Football is like this. From one day to the other people can love you or hate you."
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said he had not decided whether to start Torres or keep him on the bench for the showdown against his former club.
Asked if he would celebrate a goal against the Reds, Torres said: "First I have to play, and then I have to score but I have big respect for Liverpool fans so I don't think I will."
More to follow.
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