Tuesday, 22nd April, 2014
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone believes Chelsea striker Fernando Torres will receive a huge ovation at the Vicente Calderon tonight during his side’s Champions League semi-final first leg game against the Blues.
Torres gained cult status amongst the Atletico faithful during his spell at his boyhood club, where he scored 59 goals in 140 appearances in all competitions.
The Spanish international left the capital club for Liverpool in 2007 before joining the Stamford Bridge outfit in 2011.
However, Torres is still loved by the Atletico Madrid fans and Simeone is certain that the 30-year-old will receive a hero’s reception at his former stomping ground.
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“Fernando is a kid who this club loves”, Simeone told UEFA’s official site.
“Torres loves this club and the people here; he has good memories of his time here.
“Before the match, in the warm-up and at the end I think Torres will receive the ovation that he deserves. He will always be one of us at Atletico.”
With Samuel Eto’o missing the game due to a knee injury, Torres may be given the nod to start against the current La Liga leaders by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
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