Soccer

Simeone defends Torres on striker’s return to Atlético Madrid

Manager describes former team-mate as a ‘great striker’ on eve of Chelsea semi-final

Fernado Torries in action against Stoke this month. Diego Simeone claimed that “deep down” the Spaniard remains an Atlético fan. Photograph: Reuters/Dylan Martinez
Fernado Torries in action against Stoke this month. Diego Simeone claimed that “deep down” the Spaniard remains an Atlético fan. Photograph: Reuters/Dylan Martinez
Sid Lowe
Mon Apr 21 2014 - 23:00

Atlético Madrid’s coach Diego Simeone has defended Fernando Torres on the eve of his return to the Vicente Calderón by insisting that, contrary to José Mourinho’s complaints, the Spaniard is a “great striker”. Simeone also claimed that “deep down” Torres remains an Atlético fan, and said the home fans would give him a huge ovation.

As for his own strikeforce, Simeone admitted it would come as no surprise if Chelsea made a move for Diego Costa at the end of the season.

Torres made his debut for Atlético as a 17-year-old in 2001, and played for the club for six years. Among his team-mates was Simeone, when the Argentinian returned for a second spell between 2003 and 2005, and the pair remain close. Torres has returned before with Liverpool but was injured. On Tuesday night he may play against Atlético at the Calderón for the first time – Simeone said he expected Torres to play.

'Great strikers'
Asked what he made of Mourinho's claim that he had no strikers, Atlético's coach responded: "Look, with the greatest of respect to a manager who feels that about his players, Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres are great strikers and have shown that hundreds of times, in the Champions League, in the World Cup, and in many games."

Asked about Costa, Simeone said: “It would not surprise me at all if a club that is economically powerful, as Chelsea are, would try to sign Costa. Why? Because he is different, a very good player.”

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He would not be drawn on whether the Manchester United job would interest him.

“With all due respect, and I appreciate that it is important to you, this is a really big game tomorrow night, and I don’t want to think about anything that’s not my team, my players, or Chelsea.”

The Atlético midfielder Koke said: “Torres has always been someone to look up to for Atlético fans. This is the first time he will be able to play here since he left, and I am sure that everyone will receive him with real affection. I wish him the best, but I hope he doesn’t have his night.”

The club captain Gabi said: "This will be an emotional moment for Fernando. He has not yet had the chance to play against the club that's in his heart, and everyone here, including me, is very grateful for everything he did for the club. But on Tuesday we'll play our game. And then we'll have a chat afterwards."
– Guardian Service