Torres going back to Atletico Madrid?

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has opened the door for Fernando Torres to return to his former side.

Simeone says he knows how important Torres can be for his side and that because of his roots he knows about what it means to play for Los RojiblancosHe told Spanish radio station Onda Cero: ‘Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job.

‘Fernando knows about the club’s history, what it means to play here and I don’t need to speak about his ability.

‘We were teammates. I know how important he can be.’

Chelsea want Atletico’s Colombian striker Radamel Falcao as a replacement. He has scored 25 goals in 28 games for his club this season, including a hat-trick against the Blues in the Super Cup final. He can be procured for £48million but the Blues would be interested in a part-exchange deal involving Torres.

When asked about Falcao’s future, Simeone did not insist the player would be staying at the club. Instead he reasoned that everybody makes their own decisions and Falcao deserves respect.

Simeone said: ‘I’m not Falcao and I’m not his agent. I’m the manager and have the utmost respect for him, because he gave me so much at River Plate and has done the same here.

‘He always gives his all and I really respect players who do that. But everyone makes their own decisions in life.

‘Every person is different, and we have to respect each other. Those who stay are always going to be the best.’