Madrid, Jan 3 (IANS) Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has warned that the return of Fernando Torres to the Spanish football club is not a quick fix to any problem they may be facing.
It was confirmed at the start of the week that Torres would be returning on loan until the end of 2016 to the club where he began his career and became a hero before moving to Liverpool and Chelsea, before finally joining AC Milan last summer, reports Xinhua.
Torres was not at his best for the last two clubs, but Atletico fans are looking forward to seeing the player who left them as a youngster and who led the line for Spain for around six years, back in a red and white shirt.
He could make his debut in the Kings Cup against none other than Real Madrid Wednesday, but in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s BBVA Primera Liga clash at home to Levante, although he was pleased Torres was back ‘home’, Simeone warned against expecting miracles from the 30-year-old.
“I am happy because we have recovered a player who belongs here and about all because Fernando’s characteristics as a player will help the team. It is important and it comes at a good time for him, because he joins a side which has worked together for several years. However, he is going to have to work to compete with (Atletico strikers) Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandzukic and Raul Jimenez,” said Simeone.
“There are a lot of opinions in football, as there are in politics and religion, but he is not arriving as a saviour, although his arrival will be very useful,” added the coach, who said that the former Spain international would add depth to the Atletico attack.
Finally Simeone, who was a player at the club during Torres’ first period as an Atletico player, said there was no room for sentiment and that the decision to sign him was for purely footballing reasons.
“I only think about the sporting aspect and I never think about any other factors. We all benefit from his arrival,” he concluded.