Fernando Torres was many fans' pick of the Chelsea players on display during the 0-0 draw that opened the season, and following the game the striker confirmed his condition is good.

It was a first half devoid of chances at both ends of the pitch, but the Spaniard gave the Stoke defenders a testing time running and turning with the ball, and in the second half was involved in claims for penalties.

'I feel very fresh with pace and sharpness,' Torres said, 'so I am happy with that but not with the 0-0 because a striker always wants to score. It is our work so I would like to score every game but it is not possible.

'I am only 27 and I have not forgotten how to score and play well. Last season was a season to forget for me, a lot of things happened, but it is in the past and now I want to look forward. This season I am sure is going to be very nice for Chelsea and for myself.

'It was a slightly disappointing result,' he continued. 'We had some chances to score and we had at least two very clear penalty situations. One I was involved in was very clear but then again 90 minutes is enough time to score so it is not an excuse.'

A challenge by Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross, booked earlier in the game for a foul on Torres, tripped the Chelsea man right on the line on the left-hand side of the area. He later tangled with the other centre-back, Jonathan Woodgate closer to goal.

'I think we deserved to win,' reckoned Torres, 'so we have missed two points but it is just the first game. Taking one point is not a good result but Stoke is a very difficult stadium to play in and they are a very good team.'

Chelseafc.com