Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has insisted that interim manager Rafael Benitez deserves respect ahead of his exit from the club.

Benitez is due to leave the Blues after their post-season tour of America this month having taken charge of the side in November.

Despite rumours linking Jose Mourinho with a return to Stamford Bridge, Torres believes that the current boss should be given the right send-off.

"This season is not finished so we want to have respect for Rafa," he is quoted as saying by ESPN. "We know he is going to leave and we have to wait until the club announce the new manager. Obviously everyone is talking about Mourinho, always the top managers in the world are related with the top clubs in the world, so this is the situation now.

"We'll see what happens. To have the chance to be under Mourinho's management is a challenge and a big motivation, so we will see what happens, but we should have respect for Rafa this last week."

Benitez has guided Chelsea to Europa League glory and Champions League qualification since he arrived at the club last year.