Torres set for return to Atletico Madrid on loan

Fernando Torres is set to rejoin Atletico Madrid on an 18-month loan from Milan, the Spanish champions have confirmed.

The Spain international signed for Milan on a permanent deal on Saturday amid reports he would then be used in a swap deal with Atleti attacker Alessio Cerci, although no announcement has been made regarding the Italian’s future.

Torres will arrive at Atleti on January 5 until the end of the 2015-16 Liga campaign, subject to a medical.

Taking to Twitter to react to the announcement, Torres said: “At last back home. Thanks to all that have made this dream come true. Forza @Atleti.”

After beginning his professional career at the Vicente Calderon, Torres scored 91 goals in 244 matches and was Atletico captain before joining Liverpool in 2008.

The 30-year-old continued to impress during his time at Anfield and found the net on 24 occasions in 33 Premier League outings during his first season.

However, Torres’ career faltered following a then-British record £50million move to Chelsea in 2011.

A measly 20 goals from 110 league appearances saw Torres draw criticism in some quarters, although he did pick up winners’ medals in the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League during his time with the club.

The frontman was shipped out to Milan on a two-year loan deal at the beginning of the current season, but after one goal in 10 league appearances, the Serie A giants appear to feel there would be more benefit in signing the player and swiftly offloading him to his former club.