( CNN ) -- Chelsea 's British record-signing Fernando Torres said on Friday he left Liverpool because the Merseyside club are not yet ready to match his ambitions . The $ 80 million striker arrived at Liverpool in 2007 but despite scoring 81 goals for the Reds he was unable to fire the team to a major trophy during his three-and-a-half years at Anfield . `` I think they have great ambition and they are doing the right things to get back , '' the 26-year-old said of his former club at a press conference . `` But it will take time . I did n't have that time . When I was an Atletico Madrid fan growing up , I could n't understand it when a big player left . But with time I could understand they did the best for themselves , their families and their careers . '' The Spanish international is expecting a hostile reception from the away fans when he makes his Chelsea bow against his former team at Stamford Bridge on Sunday , but he hopes they will be able to remember what he did for Liverpool . `` I 'm not asking them to understand me but I 'm sure over time they will see what I did there . 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 . `` Football is like this . From one day to the other , people can love you or hate you . '' The former Atletico Madrid captain also revealed he would not celebrate if he was to net a debut goal for the English Premier League champions against his former employers . `` First I have to play , and then I have to score but I have big respect for Liverpool fans so I do n't think I will . '' Torres became the most expensive Spanish player in the sport 's history with his transfer-deadline day move to London , but he insists his large price tag will not be a burden . `` I have been in this situation before when I signed for Liverpool . Big money means big expectation . I 'm more than ready for the challenge . I 'm excited about a new life and new era . '' Meanwhile , Rafael Benitez , the man who brought Torres to Liverpool for $ 32 million in 2007 , has revealed the World Cup winner was valued at $ 122 million when he was in charge of the club . `` I think last year we were talking about $ 122 million , '' Benitez , who recently left European champions Inter Milan , told the BBC . `` People were talking about maybe you receive an offer from another club . They were talking about $ 122 million . '' Benitez , who left Liverpool by mutual consent in June 2010 , said his former charge can recapture his top form for Chelsea . `` He was not playing at the same level the last time , but he is still a very good player . It is big money but could ( have been ) even better . ''
Fernando Torres claims he left Liverpool because the club is still rebuilding . The former Chelsea striker has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Manchester United in recent weeks but insists that his decision was based on personal reasons. Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes the striker was worth $ 122 million .