Soccer: Chelsea skipper John Terry has revealed there is a "buzz" around the club following the arrivals of Fernando Torres and David Luiz at the club. The Spanish striker and Brazilian defender arrived at Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day for a combined fee of around €83 million from Liverpool and Benfica respectively to signal Chelsea's determination to get back in the title race.
The goings-on off the pitch seemed to have the desired effect on the field, with the Blues battling to win 4-2 at Sunderland on Tuesday without the presence of their two newest recruits, with Terry grabbing the third. It was a much-needed statement of intent by the Blues, who had fallen off the pace in the Premier League and had not seen the kind of investment from Roman Abramovich in recent times that became synonomous with the club.
It was Chelsea's biggest splurge in the market since 2006; something Terry feels has boosted morale and sent a message to the rest of the footballing world that they mean business, both domestically and in Europe.
"To sign Torres and Luiz is a huge statement for the club," Terry told the
London Evening Standard
. "It has let everyone know we're in the market again, we're buying and competing with Manchester City, who have been spending an awful lot.
"There is a buzz around the camp and it is great that we're in the market again for two massive signings. Everyone has been going on about the ageing players and we have just brought in two very young players who are hopefully going to be around the club for a long time. They can bring so much going forward and defensively.
"No-one is getting too carried away but everyone is upbeat. There is a spring in our step, there is a boost around the club worldwide, not just England. It sets a massive tone. From a club point of view, reading things like the Bolton quotes that they didn't fear Chelsea no more - we say don't fear us at your peril."
"Everyone is fighting for places with some big games coming up. For myself, for the other defenders and the strikers it is very good competition and that's very important at a big club. It gives the manager great options and very difficult ones at that. You want to get training and playing with these guys and hopefully stay in the team."
Commenting on Torres, Terry was happy to see the player on the same side as him, after the Spaniard scored seven goals in seven games against Chelsea whilst on Merseyside, including one on his home debut in 2007.
"I'm delighted Fernando is on the same side. We have had some great battles. I was very impressed when he made his debut against us and scored," Terry added. "He is one of the strongest out there. His pace is frightening, his heading is unbelievable for his height and his finishing is top drawer, as we have seen against us a few times.
"I'm just delighted [we've signed him] because there were rumours that a few other clubs had been chasing him."
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