Fernando Torres ‘could leave Atletico Madrid in January’ with arrival of Diego Costa — and has offers from MLS and Chinese Super League
Ex-Liverpool hitman already sees playing time limited under Diego Simeone and expects situation to worsen in 2018
FERNANDO TORRES could leave Atletico Madrid in January, with the USA or China likely destinations, according to reports in Spain.
The Spaniard has been with his hometown club since making a nostalgic return in 2016.
However, there was talk he would leave for a second time in the summer — only for Fifa to uphold a transfer ban, meaning Atletico were not allowed to sign anyone.
Diego Costa and Vitolo will arrive in January, and Cadena SER report it means Torres will look to leave in search of game time.
The 2010 World Cup-winner is already concerned about his lack of minutes, and is aware the situation will only worsen when the cavalry arrive during the winter window.
He is reported to be mulling over various offers from the MLS and the Chinese Super League.
Torres broke into the Atletico first team at the age of 16 amid much promise, having earlier been voted the best 15-year-old in Europe.
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At the tender age of 19, he was named the club's captain — despite the likes of Diego Simeone still around.
He left to join Liverpool in the summer of 2007 where he established himself as one of the best centre-forwards on the planet.
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The following summer saw him score the winner in the Euro 2008, which started Spain's era of international dominance — and he finished third in the Ballon d'Or standings.
Chelsea made him the most expensive player in British football history when they signed him for £50million in January 2011.
However, the move never worked out and, three-and-a-half years later, he left to join AC Milan on loan before returning to Atletico six months later.
At his "home", he recaptured some of his best form — and started the 2016 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.