Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has admitted that it is "crucial" his side qualify for next season's Champions League by finishing in the Premier League's top four.

The West Londoners are currently in the driving seat for third as they sit above Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Champions League qualification.

"It is crucial for everyone," Torres told Sky Sports News. "We are at Chelsea because we want to win trophies and the Champions League is one of them, maybe the most important.

"If you want to play in the Champions League you have to finish at least in the top four.

"Obviously it is not the target we had at the beginning of the season but it is the reality now. We must focus on the games we have to play this month and we have to qualify."

Chelsea face Torres's former club Liverpool on Sunday.