Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has revealed that he will be leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of this season.
The 34-year-old has only started three La Liga matches this term and has grown frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities. He was linked with a switch to the Chinese Super League in January.
"I'd like to take the opportunity to say this season will be my last at the club," Torres told a news conference on Monday. "It has not been an easy decision, it has been tough to take it. Given the reality, the circumstances, maybe it is for the best.
"It is very difficult for me to say goodbye for a second time, because my plan was to retire here. But things do not always go as you wish.
"I physically and mentally feel able to continue playing. I feel very well and I will look for somewhere else."
Torres made his Atleti debut in May 2001 and made his name at the club before going on to join Liverpool just over six years later.
He went on to have disappointing spells with Chelsea and AC Milan before returning to Atletico in the summer of 2015. Torres has represented Spain 110 times, scoring 38 goals, and featured in six major tournaments - from Euro 2004 to the 2014 World Cup inclusive.
Atletico are 2/5 to win the Europa League this season and 1/4 to beat Levante this weekend.
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Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has revealed that he will be leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of this season.
The 34-year-old has only started three La Liga matches this term and has grown frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities. He was linked with a switch to the Chinese Super League in January.
"I'd like to take the opportunity to say this season will be my last at the club," Torres told a news conference on Monday. "It has not been an easy decision, it has been tough to take it. Given the reality, the circumstances, maybe it is for the best.
"It is very difficult for me to say goodbye for a second time, because my plan was to retire here. But things do not always go as you wish.
"I physically and mentally feel able to continue playing. I feel very well and I will look for somewhere else."
Torres made his Atleti debut in May 2001 and made his name at the club before going on to join Liverpool just over six years later.
He went on to have disappointing spells with Chelsea and AC Milan before returning to Atletico in the summer of 2015. Torres has represented Spain 110 times, scoring 38 goals, and featured in six major tournaments - from Euro 2004 to the 2014 World Cup inclusive.
Atletico are 2/5 to win the Europa League this season and 1/4 to beat Levante this weekend.
Source: bet365.com