Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has praised Fernando Torres after scoring twice at the Bernabeu, and claims he has returned “a man”.
The Spaniard commenced his career with the Spanish side; also known for developing the talents of Sergio Aguero, Diego Forlan, Thibaut Courtois and David De Gea, but departed in 2007 in order to pursue a career with Premier League giants Liverpool.
Nevertheless, after a £50 million switch to Chelsea in 2011 saw him score just a third of his record at Anfield, he joined up with the AC Milan squad permanently following a loan in Serie A. A loan until the conclusion of the 2015/16 season has since seen him return under Diego Simeone, who has been impressed by the 110-time internationally capped forward.
Torres found the net twice in a 2-2 draw with historic rivals Real Madrid on Thursday, ensuring they reached the Copa del Rey quarter-finals courtesy of a 4-2 aggregate win. Simeone, who featured as a player alongside the Champions League winner, commented:
“He left, matured and is now a man. I am very pleased for him. The fans are happy and his arrival has been good for us even though some had their doubts."
Scoring 84 goals in 214 league appearances for Atletico between 2001 and 2007, Torres’ only silverware with the club came during the 2000/01 season as they finished as champions of the Segunda Division.
After completing his temporary move, 45,000 fans were in attendance of his official unveiling at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. Never scoring at the Bernabeu in his first spell at Atletico, his brace also became his first in any competition since 2013.
"It's been a beautiful day. A day to enjoy," said Torres. "I'm happy for the people who came, to score my first two goals in this homecoming and in a stadium in which I hadn't scored yet."
Both strikes from Torres came within the first minute of each half.