Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has insisted that the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup "is not a holiday".
A number of the tournament's competitors have stated their intention to try and win the tournament, while some pundits have claimed that the competition does not rank too high on Chelsea's list of priorities.
However, Torres is adamant that he and his teammates are determined to leave Japan with the trophy.
"How many people don't take this tournament seriously, or don't think it is like the real World Cup?," the 28-year-old told the club's official website. "It is for the clubs. You ask the South American people. David Luiz showed me a video of Corinthians fans at the airport, it was full of fans cheering the team and travelling to Japan to support, so it is important.
"In Europe maybe we don't give it as much attention, and to some people it might not mean much, but to me it does. This is not a holiday or a break. This is a World Cup.
"It's nice to be involved, and maybe to be able to say you are a world champion. The European Super Cup was just as important to us and we lost, so we don't want that disappointment."
The Blues will enter the competition at the semi-final stage against Mexican outfit Monterrey on Thursday.
Liam Apicella
