Fernando Torres admits it will be ‘emotional throughout’ Friday’s UEFA Super Cup clash in Monaco, as he faces up to former side Atletico Madrid.
Torres joined Atleti’s youth ranks as an 11-year-old striker, before emerging through into the first team to score 74 goals in 174 Spanish League appearances.
Friday’s meeting in Monaco will see him reunited with the club he left in 2007 to begin his period in England.
“It will be emotional throughout, from warming up when you see the people in the stands, to every time I hear a song that I grew up with and of course then after the game when everything is decided,” admitted the 28-year-old to today’s Press.
“I just hope that during the 90 minutes I can be focused enough to isolate myself from everything.
“It is very difficult to express my emotions about Friday.
“Theere is nothing to tell the fans, they must be and will be atleticos on Friday because the team is above any individual.
“I owe them everything because they taught me a lot, they were always with me and never criticised me, when I was there and when I had left was far away.
“I’m lucky to have received so much love.”
Torres has scored twice this season for Chelsea, with the team impressing with a style of play in sharp contrast to that on show when they won the Champions League last season.
“It’s a very attractive style of football and we must build on it. We already know what the team is capable of when they have to play defensively, we are champions of Europe.
“Now we can play completely differently too and do it with full guarantees, as we are showing.”
Atleti are also impressing Torres at the moment for their style of play.
“I really enjoy watching them play because they closely resemble the team that atleticos want. A team that is hard-working, caring, aggressive and effective. Their team is very complete and I understand why they should be excited.
“It is a privilage to see Radamel Falcao play, he is simply spectacular. [Diego] Forlan, [Sergio] Aguero and he have done more than I ever did at Atletico because they have all become a champion at the club.
“To me, they are part of the legend of the club, an important part of the Rojiblancos’ success.”
The striker was also asked to comment on his namesake at Atleti, young Oliver Torres, a midfielder to have recently emerged into the first team at the Calderon.
“I love watching him play. There is much interest in him because it is hard for player out of the cantera to break into the first team and get a chance, because they are not always recognised.
“It is a relief that [Diego] Simeone is managing him, as he is and experienced Coach who will know what to do to help him.”
