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Torres: My time at Chelsea was a success

Fernando Torres failed to live up to his pricetag at Chelsea © Getty Images

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Fernando Torres is to rejoin his boyhood club Atletico Madrid on an 18-month loan deal from AC Milan, subject to a medical - after describing his tormented time at Chelsea a "success."

Torres made his debut with Atletico in 2001 and established himself as a star at the club before moving to Liverpool in 2007. He then moved to Chelsea in 2011 in a deal reported to be worth £50 million but, despite winning the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League at Stamford Bridge, struggled to live up to his price tag.

However, Torres said of his time at Stamford Bridge: "Chelsea gave me what I was looking for when I left Liverpool - trophies," he said. "I'll always see it as a success."

Chelsea announced on Saturday that Torres, 30, would make his loan move to Milan permanent on January 5, but he is to be immediately loaned to Atletico. Torres scored just one goal in Serie A and will now return to the Vicente Calderon.

A statement on Atletico's official website read: "Fernando Torres will return to Atletico de Madrid after an agreement was reached between the club and Milan establishing that the international striker will play on loan for the remainder of the season and the following campaign. The signing is subject to the relevant medical examinations."

Torres wrote on his Twitter account:

At last back home. Thanks to all that have made this dream come true. Forza @Atleti. #TorresHaVuelto pic.twitter.com/HZjMI5v6Gl

— Fernando Torres (@Torres) December 29, 2014

The deal for Torres is expected to see Atletico's Alessio Cerci join Milan on loan, with the Italian winger having failed to produce his best form since leaving Torino to move to the Spanish capital in the summer.

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