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Defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of striker Fernando Torres on loan from Italian club AC Milan, until the end of next season. The 30-year-old joined Milan on a loan deal from Chelsea, but scored just one goal for the club in 10 appearances. Prior to joining AC Milan, the Spaniard played 41 games, across all competitions for Chelsea in the 2013-14 season and scored 11 goals for the club.
"Fernando Torres returns to Atletico Madrid after an agreement was reached between our club and Milan as the international striker will play on loan for the remainder of the season and one more campaign,” a statement in the club’s website read.
"Signing with our club is subject to the relevant medical examination that the player must undergo to join the team. The loan will be official on January 5, the day the winter transfer market opens in Italy."
Winger Alessio Cerci is now almost certain to move to the Italian club on loan as part of Torres’s deal.
Dream come true for me: Torres
Speaking to the media at the International Sports Conference in Dubai, Torres expressed his happiness at being signed by the club, where he played during his junior days.
"I’m happy because I’ve said many many times that I can’t hide where I come from. It’s an honour to be a part of Atletico Madrid. I made my dream come true when I played my first game for them at 17,” he said.
"This has been a fantastic club over the last few years, winning many trophies. I did my career outside Spain but there is a time when everyone must go back home. I was in the stands when I was a kid.
I feel it is a privilege to have the chance to go back. I’m looking forward to enjoying playing and training again," he added.
Atletico Madrid confirmed the news on their Twitter page.
