The Spaniard has found goals hard to come by since his 50-million-pound 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."