"I expected it," Skrtel told isport.blesk.cz.
"There had been plenty of talk for a long time before and when he was not training with us in the last two days, nor was he in the training centre, the speculation just seemed to come true.
"We all feel sorry because he's a player of world-class ability but, to be honest, it was no surprise.
"I wish him all the best but do not wish any success to Chelsea. Maybe Fernando will regret making this step sometime in the future."
Since the appointment of Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool have started to put a good run of form together and after their defeat against Blackpool they have taken seven points from a possible nine.
But the defender revealed that earlier on in the season, where an air of uncertainty surrounded the club, Torres had made the decision to go then.
"There were some hints of him leaving already in the summer when Chelsea claimed interest in him but he agreed with Liverpool on staying," he said.
"However, this season has not been going according to our wishes and expectations and that convinced him that it is the right time to move elsewhere. This is how he explained it to us."
Torres will face his former employers on Sunday at Stamford Bridge and Skrtel is determined to prevent the Spaniard from marking his debut by getting on the score sheet.
"It will be different because so far I have been playing against him only in training," he added.
"I hope he appears on the pitch and, since Chelsea wanted him so much, it is very likely that he will.
"I'm looking forward and firmly believe I won't let him score."
Despite Torres' departure, Liverpool will not be short of strikers as they spent nearly £60m on bringing in Carroll and Suarez, and Skrtel believes the pair will fill the gap left behind by the World Cup winner.
"Such a player would be missed at every club, that's for sure," he said. "On the other hand, we have captured Suarez and Carroll.
"I believe these two will replace him and we will be at least as strong as we were with Nando."