Fernando Torres says goodbye to Atletico and the Metropolitana

As El Nino says his goodbyes to the Spanish capital, we take a look at his journey so far

A lovable figure

Torres started his youth career at Atletico, and progressed through their youth system to their first team. He made his first team debut in 2001 and finished with an impressive 75 goals in 174 appearances. Torres was responsible for the promotion of Atletico back to the top division after the club was relegated in 2001. Atletico fans fondly call him EL Nino, which means 'the little child' in Spanish.

Storming the Premier League

Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico in 2007 for a club record transfer fee. He became the first Liverpool player after Robbie Fowler to score 20 Premier League goals in a single season. Torres formed a strong partnership with striker Luis Suarez, who joined Barcelona in 2014. Torres left Liverpool for Chelsea in 2011 for £50 million, another club record deal. Although his goal scoring record was criticized by many, he still managed to win the 2012 UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup in his first season for the club. He scored in the final of the UEFA Europa League in 2013, and helped Chelsea to win the competition for the first time.

A stint at Milan

In August 2014, Torres joined Serie A club Inter Milan on loan. He expressed his desire to be ranked along the greatest strikers of the club, the likes of Marco van Basten and Pipo Inzaghi. His debut was a 1:0 defeat to Juventus. He scored his first Milan goal 2 days later, a header, against Empoli. Although the club agreed to make Torres a permanent signing in December 2014, the deal was cut short as just 2 days later, Torres agreed to play on loan for his boyhood club Atletico. The deal was agreed after Alessio Cerci was let go to by Atletico to Milan on the same day.

Back to his roots

His debut in his second Atletico spell was a Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid. He had no shots on target and was replaced by Koke an hour later. Atletico won the game 2:0. The match garnered nearly 45,000 spectators at the Vincente Calderon stadium. Just a week later, he scored 2 goals in the reverse fixture, allowing Atletico to progress further in the competition. On February 6 2016, he scored his 100th goal for the Rojiblancos, and was announced as a permanent signing. in July 2017, he renewed his contract with the club, after a transfer ban put on them. The 17/18 season will be a perfect farewell year for the striker, as Atletico lifted the UEFA Europa League for the 3rd time. He came on as a 90th minute substitute in the final against Marseille, and was welcomed by a huge applause. In his final La Liga game against Eibar, he scored a brace, an eventual 2:2 draw. What a way to say goodbye!

The prodigal son of Madrid, Torres bid an emotional farewell to all his fans. He will be missed, very dearly too. Adios Torres, and all the best for your future!