Fernando Torres confirms return to Atletico Madrid

Spanish striker Fernando Torres on Monday took to Twitter to confirm his return to boyhood club Atletico Madrid. The 30-year-old has been struggling for goals since leaving Liverpool for Chelsea 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.

“At last back home. Thanks to all that have made this dream come true. Forza @Atleti. #TorresHaVuelto,” the 30-year-old tweeted in support of the switch. Atletico have also confirmed the 18-month loan signing of the Spaniard from Italian giants AC Milan. Torres scored 82 goals in 214 appearances during his stint with Atletico 2001-07.

“Chelsea gave me what I was looking for when I left Liverpool... trophies. I’ll always see it as a success,” Torres was quoted as saying by dailymail.co.uk.

Chelsea and Milan agreed 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. The deal is subject to Torres passing a medical and will be finalised Jan 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,” Atletico said. A World Cup and double European Championship winner with Spain, Torres joined Atletico at the age of 11.