Diego Simeone insists Fernando Torres has not joined Atletico Madrid to solely make up the numbers. “He hasn’t come here to be a saviour.”
The former Chelsea and Liverpool striker officially returned to the Spanish champions in an 18-month loan deal last week, and the Coach is expecting big things from his latest recruit.
“I'm happy because we’ve recovered a sense of belonging and, above all, improved because of the characteristics Fernando offers. He can help the team,” he said at a Press conference.
“He’s an important signing, and it’s a great time for him [to arrive] because he goes straight into a group who have worked together for several years.
“We hope he gives us a hand with all his enthusiasm, talent and passion, but he’ll need to compete with [Antoine] Griezmann, [Mario] Mandzukic and Raul Jimenez.
“I just think about the sports side and never anything else. We wanted him to return last year, but we all benefit from his arrival.
“He’ll give us depth in attack, something we lacked with just Mandzukic. In football, like in politics and religion, there can be very polarising views.
“People can say what they like, but Fernando hasn’t come here to be a saviour. There’s no rush with him. His arrival will be beneficial for everyone.
“We’d like to have a full stadium and invite our fans to be at the place where we experienced many joys last year.”
