I had to sell Torres, insists Chelsea boss Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he had to sell Fernando Torres as the striker needed a change of scenery.

The Spaniard was loaned to AC Milan during the summer transfer window, ending what had been a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge.

Torres will spend two seasons with the Italian outfit, which will see out the remainder of his current contract with the Blues, having failed to live up to his then-British record £50million move from Liverpool in 2011.

Mourinho admitted he has the upmost respect for Torres and hopes he thrives with his new club.

"About Fernando I have to say, with the respect that I bring to all my former players, that as a professional and as a person there is no discussion," said Mourinho.

"He's an outstanding guy and professional. We will manage without him, myself and the team, but he needed the change.

"Now he will go to Milan and his passion for football will motivate him."