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  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.”

Rover and out: Hoops confirm Twigg exit

Faroe Islands v Ireland: Past meetings between the sides