After struggling to live up to his sizeable price-tag at Chelsea, Fernando Torres will begin a new challenge in Serie A this season with Milan.
At 30-years-old and seemingly on the decline, according to his critics, it is an opportunity in a new League and culture for the former Atletico Madrid striker, and it could well be the perfect move to reignite his career.
It is a crucial time for Torres not only at club level, but also for his international career. With Vicente Del Bosque leaving him out of his squad for the friendly against France and Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia, the new Milan star risks being left in the wilderness.
The focus after Spain’s humbling at the World Cup in Brazil this summer has switched to a squad designed for the future, and there are genuine question marks over whether or not Torres is part of that picture.
While Del Bosque has insisted his new-look squad isn’t a reaction to the dismal tournament, it remains to be seen if he returns to certain players who have previously served him so well, a list which includes Milan’s new signing.
However, Torres has a real opportunity at San Siro to prove his worth as he will undoubtedly now become a fundamental piece to the club’s progress in the coming years.
The ex-Liverpool forward will arguably benefit from the different pace in Italy, and combined with his ability to run the channels and flourish in a 4-3-3 system based on quick counter-attacks, it appears to be a perfect match.
In turn, his form for Milan will likely impact on his importance for La Roja, and this could be the fresh start that he needs to prove his doubters wrong and become a protagonist for both club and country again.
Based on recent form and Del Bosque’s squad selection, Chelsea striker Diego Costa is undoubtedly now considered first choice in a system which requires a sole marksman.
Nevertheless, there is still a clear lack of alternative given that Paco Alcacer is really the only other player capable of playing in that role. Coupled with David Villa’s international retirement, there is still a spot in this squad for an individual with the characteristics that Torres possesses.
However, it won’t be easy as Alvaro Negredo will undoubtedly be hoping for a similar upturn in fortune following his move to Valencia. Meanwhile, Fernando Llorente, Roberto Soldado and Alvaro Morata to name but a few will also all harbour hopes of successful seasons ahead.
Milan have placed their faith in a Spaniard whom many others would have opted against doing so. Torres must now live up to their expectations this season and in doing so he will open the door to a return to the international fold.
