Chelsea striker Fernando Torres content at Stamford Bridge

Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres claims he "lost hope" at Chelsea but is optimistic about next season at Stamford Bridge.

The Spain striker, 28, has struggled since joining from Liverpool in a £50m deal in January last year.

"There were times where I lost hope and that has never happened to me before," he told his official website.

"It's the worst feeling in the world when you love your profession and I became the player I hate. Luckily it is part of the past."

Torres has endured lengthy goal droughts since his switch to London and was frustrated to start on the bench in the Champions League final win over Bayern Munich at the weekend.

He expressed doubts about his situation at Chelsea after that win but insists the negative times are over.

Torres added: "Now all I have in mind is to fulfil dreams. I fulfilled a dream (by winning the Champions League) and I'd say it's a very happy moment but I demand more.

"The best is yet to come. Now we have to keep dreaming."

Torres acknowledges he has struggled to match up to the expectations placed on him since he joined the Blues.

Didier Drogba, who has left Stamford Bridge, believes Torres is "Chelsea's future" and follow talks with the club's hierarchy, the Spaniard is optimistic about the next campaign.

He said: "My goal was to talk to them at the end of the season, I needed to know what plans they had for me. We've talked and now I have no doubt what they expect of Fernando Torres. I just want to start next season already.

"At Chelsea I am very happy and I never said the opposite. I still have a lot to do in this club."