Fernando Torres reveals Roman Abramovich convinced him to stay at Chelsea

Fernando Torres has revealed the faith shown in him by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich helped persuade him to carry on at Stamford Bridge.

The striker, who was yesterday named in Vicente Del Bosque's Spain squad for Euro 2012, had shocked the Blues with an outburst following the triumphant Champions League final, attacking his treatment by the club and threatening to quit west London this summer.

However, four days ago the 28-year-old backtracked, insisting he had simply wanted to play more last season when his "mind was like a rollercoaster" and that he was happy at Chelsea.

Today he revealed that Abramovich's trust convinced him to stay.

Torres told reporters at a press conference: "I had a conversation with the owner of Chelsea and he trusts me.

"His confidence is total and that is what I needed to keep fighting and continue to be essential for the team."

The former Liverpool striker also defended his selection for the Spain team who will go to Poland and Ukraine as defending champions and favourites.

Given David Villa was unable to recover from injury in time for consideration, it would have been a shock if Torres had not been called up.

He said: "I can't stop the debate. I think all of us are here on merit.

"I come with the FA Cup and the Champions League. I think the end of the season was not bad."

He did, though, rue the absence of defender Carles Puyol, also missing next month's tournament with injury.

"Puyol is a leader on and off the field. He always had something to say to the dressing room and had a lot of experience.

"(Missing) Villa also is a very important low. We will try to make his absence noticed as little as possible."

PA