Mancini infuriated former Reds boss Rafael Benitez last season when he openly discussed the Spain striker, confirming just what a big fan of Torres he was and admitting should he ever have a chance of luring him to Eastlands, he would do so. And it appears City tried to do exactly that amid the turmoil of Benitez's departure and the ill-fated appointment of Roy Hodgson. "Maybe in the summer we tried but it was difficult," said Mancini. As it turned out, City went for Italy star Mario Balotelli instead, before splashing out £27million on Edin Dzeko during the recent transfer window. However, Mancini remains a huge admirer of Torres and is convinced will go on to achieve great success at Chelsea. "He is a fantastic player," said the City manager. "Maybe it was time to change shirts because he wanted to leave. "He is one of the best strikers in Europe and I am sure he will be fantastic for Chelsea. "For us, we have bought Dzeko and are happy with him. He is like Torres."
