Chelsea transfers: Fernando Torres says Atletico return ‘not realistic’

Fernando Torres has dampened speculation suggesting he could be set for a return to Atletico Madrid in the summer by describing a possible transfer as “unrealistic”.

The Spain international scored twice against Rubin Kazan on Thursday night to help Chelsea to a 3-1 Europa League win in their quarter-final first leg – but Torres had netted just three times in 2013 before that game.

Torres scored 91 goals in 243 appearances for Atletico Madrid before completing a move to Liverpool in a £20m deal in 2007.

And Atletico boss Diego Simeone recently talked up the possibility of a summer swoop for Torres by admitted his admiration for the 29-year-old forward.

But the forward has played down the chances of a move away from Stamford Bridge – although he hinted that he plans to one day return to the Spanish capital.

Torres told Spanish newspaper AS: “I’ve never hidden the fact that I am very grateful for everything Atletico gave me but the reality is that I’m in another team and I have three years left on my contract.

“There are still many things for me to achieve at Chelsea before I return home. Right now returning to Atletico is not realistic.”