Fernando Torres believes Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone’s desire is what has driven him to succeed this season.
The Chelsea striker spoke to Marca of his memories of Simeone the player, who represented Atletico between 1994 and 1997 and again from 2003 to 2005, playing with Torres.
“I remember when Simeone was still playing for us and he was going to and from Alcala to earn his first coaching badge,” Torres said.
“Anyone else would have waited to return to his country and take advantage of the facilities available to him to obtain the qualification. But not him. His desire pushed him to do it that way.”
Torres added that he still keeps a close watch on Atletico and has been mightily impressed this year.
“I see as many Atletico games as possible. After so many years of pain, we are still made to suffer, but we're always satisfied at the end,” he continued.
“That's the big difference. The club has been working hard for many years and has fought hard to change things.
“Since the judicial intervention, everything was an uphill struggle and it was a case of survival. This was achieved and the president is magnificent.”
Torres echoed Simeone’s comments that Real Madrid and Barcelona are fighting it out for the League title but commended Atleti on simply being in the mix at this late stage of the season.
The former Liverpool forward also predicted that Sunday’s Madrid derby will be pivotal and backed Atletico to do well against Los Blancos.
“Simeone said it is a two-horse title race, but the fact that Atletico is up there deserves great credit,” Torres said.
“I really hope the team can match them until the end. There's a lot of financial and social inequality in relation to Barca and Real Madrid.
“Normally you wouldn't expect Atletico to win the title, but we're almost in March and the team is level with Barca and three points off Real Madrid, who now have to visit the Calderon. It will be 11 against 11.”
