Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: Fernando Torres set for debut

  • Published
Media caption,

Fernando Torres: Huge welcome on return to Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid

Competition: Copa del Rey, last 16, first leg

Venue: Vicente Calderon Stadium Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Fernando Torres has said there is more satisfaction in winning the 'Atletico Madrid way' ahead of his second debut against Real Madrid.

The ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker, 30, has rejoined the Spanish champions from AC Milan on loan seven-and-a-half-years after leaving for Anfield.

"It is a team that has won defending their values and have always taught me that," he told the club website., external

"With hard work, sacrifice, believing in what you do you can achieve things."

The Spain forward was paraded in front of 45,000 fans at Vicente Calderon Stadium on Sunday and is likely to be involved in the last-16 Copa del Rey first leg against city rivals Real on Wednesday.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Torres was unveiled in front of 45,000 Atletico fans at the Vincente Calderon

He scored 84 goals in 214 league appearances for Los Rojiblancos from 2001-2007, before spells at Liverpool, Chelsea and AC Milan in a career that has brought him success in the Champions League, FA Cup, World Cup and European Championship.

"It is not only about winning, it is about winning in a particular way," said Torres after signing on loan until the end of the season.

"Although you're competing at a disadvantage in many aspects, it can be compensated with hard work, with effort and that is what this club and team represent.

"I have found a path which has given me great satisfaction, but something seemed to be missing. This reunion closes a circle that started when I was just 10 years old wearing this shirt and now I hope to enjoy it.

"All this love becomes an extra responsibility for me, which I gladly accept."

Fernando Torres's career in goals

Atletico Madrid (2001-07)

214 league games, 84 goals

Liverpool (2007-11)

102 league games, 65 goals

Chelsea (2011-14)

110 league games, 20 goals

AC Milan (2014)

10 league games, 1 goal

Club total

436 league games, 170 goals

Spain (2003-present)

110 games, 38 goals

Copa del Rey holders Real saw their club-record 22-match winning run ended with a shock defeat at Valencia on Sunday but boss Carlo Ancelotti believes the La Liga leaders will respond in the right way.

"We're focused on the match at the Calderon," he told Real Madrid's website., external "We maintain the same fighting spirit and desire to continue to do well.

"Without playing, Torres has already brought a lot of enthusiasm to the supporters. He has experience, quality and he's going to be motivated and raring to do well."

Atletico are a point behind their Madrid rivals in La Liga but are unbeaten in three matches against them since losing the Champions League final last season.

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.