Fernando Torres has confirmed that he will not celebrate on Friday if he scores a goal for Chelsea against former club Atletico Madrid.
The two sides meet in the UEFA Super Cup this week in Monaco and Torres, who developed through Atleti’s youth ranks before spending six years in their first team, made clear his position.
“I am always respectful of the people who gave me everything,” the forward asserted at today’s Press gathering.
“Atletico’s fans encouraged me at all times when I was there and at no time in my career on my part will there be anything disrespectful them. If I score a goal, I will not celebrate.”
The forward reflected on what the game will mean to him personally.
“There couldn’t be a game more special for me. Atletico was the club where I developed as a person. For 12 years of my life I was at Atletico.
“They are not only my old club, but also something very important to me. But now I have to put that aside because my goal is to win the Super Cup with Chelsea.
“I have always said that I am still a fan, but now I have to leave those feelings to one side. We have a chance to win the Super Cup and I have to put what Atletico means to me aside.
“It would be difficult for the game, but afterwards everything will return as normal for me.”
Atletico Coach Simeone and Torres were former teammates at the Vicente Calderon, and the striker took time to speak of the Argentine’s impact at the club, both then and now.
“What El Cholo has done for Atletico speaks for itself. He arrived as Coach at a difficult time and what he has done is wonderful. He has made Atletico champions and has instilled them with spirit and sacrifice, the things I was taught as a child.
“Atletico is compact, aggressive, they know how to win every game. This Atletico reflects El Cholo.
“I have a very good relationship with him and I know what he means for Atletico. He helped me a lot. When I was captain at 19, Atletico had players like Simeone.”
Torres also has kind words for the club’s current No 9, Radamel Falcao.
“He is one of those players who can help progress the club’s image. It is a privilage for Atletico to have players like Falcao and it makes Atletico a very attractive club.
“In a League like the Spanish one it is also nice to have great players like Falcao. He should be enjoyed.”
