Fernando Torres has admitted he was moved by returning to Vicente Calderon and playing against Atletico Madrid.
The Chelsea striker played against his first club in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first-leg draw and Marca reports Torres as revealing after the final whistle that he was touched by the reaction he received.
“It’s been very emotional. The reception at the end was amazing. This crowd is unforgettable,” Torres said.
It was the first time Torres has played against Atletico since leaving the club in 2007.
Chelsea took a defensive approach to the game and Torres added that it was out of fear of Atletico’s swift breaks.
“We know Atleti can kill you on the counter. We tried not to concede and the game will be decided at Stamford Bridge, with the help of our fans,” the former Liverpool forward continued.
Torres played with Diego Simeone, the Atletico Coach, during his time at the club and Torres confirmed he remains close to the Argentine, as well as Atletico as a whole.
“I have a good relationship with Cholo. We were teammates for two years,” Torres acknowledged.
“Except for tonight and next Wednesday I always want him to win.”
The subject of a Torres return to the Calderon was mooted but Torres deflected the suggestion, evoking Simeone’s favoured phrase.
“Could I go back to Atleti? We have to go game by game,” he said.
