Fernando Torres has announced that he will be leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, but will continue to play football.
The Spaniard joined Los Rojiblancos at the age of 10. He spent six years in the youth system and then another six with the first team before he moved to Premier League side Liverpool.
Speaking at a promotional event, Torres, as quoted by Marca, said: “When I joined Atletico I was 10 years old and it’s my house. I was lucky to debut, to play, to score goals. It’s always been my home. I can have many houses, but only one home.”
“I’ve been part of an Atletico side that is always able to fight for titles and it’ll always be my home. It has been for my whole life.
“This is my last season at the club – it was not an easy decision, but under the circumstances it’s maybe for the best.
“I want to continue playing somewhere else. I feel good.”
Atletico are still in contention to win the Europa League and hold a 2-0 advantage over Sporting in the quarter-finals, while they are 11 points away from La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Torres though informed that he hasn’t yet decided on his future yet and will now evaluate his options.
“I have not decided on the team or competition” in relation to his next destination. “Now we will listen to offers, everything changes and I will consider many things. Until now, there was no scenario that I considered and I never listened to anything, but now I don’t want anything to take away the importance of being at Atleti.”
The 34-year old made it clear though that he has no intentions to retire any time soon, and wants to continue playing football.
“My idea was always to hang my boots up here but it doesn’t always end as you hope and I feel strong, physically and mentally to keep playing. I don’t know for how long but I feel very good and I will look for another place to play.”
