adminSpain forward Fernando Torres has agreed to return to Atletico Madrid on loan from AC Milan until the end of the 2015-16 season, seven-and-a-half years after leaving his boyhood club.Torres, 30, has been struggling for goals since leaving Liverpool for Chelsea in a then-British record 50 million pounds in 2011 and moved to Milan on loan in August.
However, the striker insisted that while it was “time to go back home” he did not regret his career path since leaving Anfield.
“Chelsea gave me what I was looking for when I left Liverpool . . . trophies,” said Torres in Dubai after Atletico confirmed the deal. “I’ll always see it as a success.”
Chelsea and Milan agreed on Saturday to make the switch permanent, paving the way for Torres to be loaned to Atletico, where he will hope to resurrect his stuttering career under inspirational coach Diego Simeone.
Simeone and Torres played together at the Spanish club between 2003 and 2005, when the young Torres captained the Argentine who will now be his manager.
“At last back home. Thanks to all that have made this dream come true,” Torres wrote on his Twitter feed shortly after Atletico confirmed the deal under a giant “Torres is back” banner on their website.
The deal is subject to Torres passing a medical and will be finalised on January 5, when the Italian transfer window opens, Atletico said.
“In this way, the forward from Fuenlabrada returns to his home where he was trained as a footballer and became one of their big stars,” the club added. A World Cup and double European Championship winner with Spain, Torres joined Atletico at the age of 11.
Known as “El Nino” (The Kid), he made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in 2001, when Madrid’s second club were in the second division, and was appointed captain two years later, becoming a huge favourite with the fans.
When he left for Liverpool in July 2007, having scored 91 goals in 244 appearances, he pledged to return and could make his debut against holders Real Madrid in the first leg of a Copa del Rey last-16 tie on January 7.
As well as a decorated career with Spain, Torres helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League a year later.
For one week in May 2013, Torres and compatriot and Chelsea teammate Juan Mata were holders of the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League and Europa League titles.
However, his impact throughout his career at Stamford Bridge was not as had been expected when he moved in January 2011. His 46 goals in blue meant that each strike effectively cost Chelsea more than 1 million pounds. He has also struggled at Milan, scoring just once in 10 matches. — Daily Mail
Online Reporter