Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay has played down speculation that Fernando Torres is hoping to leave the club this summer.

It emerged yesterday that the Spanish striker had been left unhappy by a lack of starting opportunities last season, particularly in the bigger fixtures.

That had led many to suggest that the 28-year-old would try to force through an exit from Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks.

Despite admitting that he understands Torres's frustration, Gourlay does not believe that a departure is imminent.

"Everybody wants to play, and at the end of the day I would be very surprised if Fernando, who has been awesome really [didn't]," Gourlay told Sky Sports News. "I'm sure he wanted to play more games, I'm sure he wanted more time on the field as every professional player does.

"But at the end of the day Robbie [Di Matteo] picked the team to start the game. Fernando came on and he played a big part to help us win the Champions League final."

Torres joined Chelsea in January 2011 from Liverpool for £50m.