Fernando Torres has spoken of his desire to raise the curtains on his second spell at Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid on January 7.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool striker recently completed an 18-month loan to Los Colchoneros and wasted no time in getting back to work as he engaged in a lone training session just three hours after landing in the Spanish capital on Tuesday.
“I’m very happy and excited to be back home and looking forward to it. I’ve never had much to say to the fans, they've told me everything,” he told reporters at Madrid's Barajas airport.
“The love they’ve given me has always been disproportionate to what I’ve been able to give the club.
“El Cholo wanted me to be here [Monday] but I couldn’t make it. Now I'm here, feeling optimistic and ready to train, obey [my Coach’s] orders and meet my teammates.
“I’m excited about January 5, when I’ll be officially unveiled as an Atleti player.
“God forbid, I will debut against Real [Madrid]. I hope the team feel I’m prepared to do so. I want to enjoy the best spell in the club’s history and give it my all, showing 100 percent commitment, as I’ve always done. The fans accept nothing less.
“I know the club but I don’t know this winning team, so I hope my colleagues can help me integrate as quickly as possible.
“I’ve been in contact with El Cholo and some players already. I’ve been made to feel very welcome, and I look forward to stop talking and start playing.
“Atletico have always been a team of champions.”
Torres will be presented at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.
