Fernando Torres claims he will not be returning to Atletico Madrid this summer.
The Spanish international began his career at the Vicente Calderon having progressed through their youth system, before leaving for England when Liverpool paid £20million for his signature in 2007. Torres was an instant hit on Merseyside, and despite his form tailing off towards the end of his spell at Anfield, Chelsea paid a British record £50million to sign him in January 2011.
Although he helped the Blues to UEFA Champions League and FA Cup glory last season, the 29-year-old has struggled to find his best form in the capital. This has led to speculation he could be sold then the window reopens in the summer, and a return to Atletico has been mooted.
The Spaniards are likely to lose Radamel Falcao when the window reopens, and it has been suggested that he could be bound for Stamford Bridge in a deal which would include Torres going the other way. However, the former Rojiblancos ace insists he is staying in London.
“I have never hidden the fact that I am very grateful for everything Atletico gave me,” Torres told AS. “But the reality is that I’m at another team and I have three years left on my contract. There are still many things for me to achieve at Chelsea. Right now returning to Atletico is not realistic.”
