Atletico striker Torres will return to AC Milan at end of season
Atletico Madrid will not sign Fernando Torres on a permanent deal when his 18-month loan deal expires at the end of the season, Goal understands.
Torres is currently on loan from AC Milan, where his contract expires at the end of June. However, Fifa have banned Atletico, as well as Real Madrid, from signing players for two transfer windows, with that suspension beginning at the end of January. That means Atletico must make a decision regarding the striker's future before the end of this month.
However, Goal can reveal that Atletico coach Diego Simeone has already decided he does not want to extend the 31-year-old's stay at the club and has already communicated his decision to both the board and the player.
Ahead of his side's Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo, the Argentine said: "We have spoken with Fernando and he knows what I think. He's also said to me what he thinks. The conversation will remain private. We have spoken, which is the important thing."
Had the club not been facing a transfer ban, Torres' form between now and the end of the season could have led to a different decision. Until now, though, he has scored just two goals this term and hasn't found the net in four months as he continues to search for his 100th Atletico goal.
From the beginning of February, Torres will be free to open talks with other clubs. His desire was to continue at Atleti but his intention now is to wait before listening to other offers. Soon, however, he will have to make a decision regarding his future as the clock ticks towards the summer.
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