Fernando Torres attended to the Press Conference to say good bye to Atletico Madrid and to the red and white supporters. Before a crowded room of journalist and accompanied by Enrique Cerezo and Jesús García Pitarch the forward said good bye with hope that this goodbye won’t be more than a “see you later”.

After a speech of gratitude of the President for services rendered to Atletico and recieving as a gift a red and white shirt of the next season, Fernando Torres left clear his love for the red and white colours he has worn since a child: “Here always I will feel like in my house and my heart will be always a red and white one. Wherever I go I will always be an Atletico because the Club has been my family”.

The Madrilenian forward thanked “to the supporters for the love they have showed this ten years. Some one will be sad and some other will be happy. It has been a pleasure and a pride being in Atletico Madrid. I hope coming back some day and this goodbye will be just a “see you later”. I think I took a wright decision and I hope the new players achieve what we haven’t do it”.

Regarding to his signing up for Liverpool, Fernando recognized that “It has been a difficult decisión, but it is a step forward in my carrer because the offer was difficult to reject. I consider the deal is good for all parts and I think it was the moment to make that step. The club is making everything very well and hope this makes it grow. I am proud of being an Atletico and wherever I go I will be a red and white. The supporters has showed me their love that I never imagined. I am leaving without remarse after giving everything to this club. I wish luck to Atletico in this new season and I am sure that will be classify to play in UEFA. I will support as a supporter. I wish to play against Atletico at the Champion League”.

At the question turn, Fernando Torres express the keys that took him to take that decision: “A moment in the life of a sportsman arrives in which needs new challenges and we have considered that was the moment. It has been my decision and I asked to the Club to listen to Liverpool’s offer that is one of the better clubs than there are in Europe and aspires to great goals. We always been together and I think this deal is good to both parts. Atletico is growing step by step and my leave has nothing to do with the team was not classified to dispute a European competition. I insist that it is good opportunity and at Liverpool has demonstrate to trust me”.

In this sense, he declared that the decision does not come motivated by the results of the present season. “I have shown that the results have not been a determining factor. This is a unic opportunity, Liverpool has shown a great confidence on me and that was what helped me to decide”.

Continuing with its new team, Fernando Torres standed out “the confidence that has shown on me giving me the number 9, that have defended great forward along its history. I expect to rise to the occasion and having known people in the team I think that my adaptation will be simple, although a lot road remains me in front. The way to play in England is different, but with the desires and the illusion that I have I trust in adapting me without problems”. “Liverpool nowdays is aspiring to all, it has been again a greatest one of Europe. With Rafa Benitez is obtaining titles and I will try to integrate as faster I can and getting at the same point of my teammates as soon as possible”.

l player declared that "he never has lied to the supporters. Every year there has been offers, but we didn't listened and this is the unique I asked to be listened. I never have hidden or lied. Some fans will be happy and some others angry, but I can say that I have left my life in the Atletico Madrid. Now I have determined to continue another way and here I am to tell it”.

Fernando has left footsteps in the Club and the Club in Fernando, for which assures that will always remember “ employees, teammates, technical… Left behind many things. Of course, I insist, I can't forget this support that always treated me as an idol and because of it I thank them. The Atletico family is very big and I always will be very thanked. The players leave, but the Club will always be there. Insisting to the player of the young local club to fight to arrive to the first team and I wish Atletico fight again with the greatest one”.

Regarding to what expects him in Liverpool, the forward recognized that "the demand will be great. The responsibility, although shared, I will have it he same. The first season in any place is used to becomplicated, but in this case I hope it won't be like that".

About his mood he admitted he leaves "a little bit sad because I leave many things, many memories… over there perhaps won't be so happy as I should, but on the other hand I am sure of my decision. Since I arrived there they have treat me greatand and I am proud to be a player of the Liverpool, Athletic is above any player and the time cures it all. Now I am one more fan of Atleti and I will continue encouraging theteam. Now all the prominence should be for the teammates that stay”.

Finally Fernando Torres made a balance of the years he has wear the Athletic shirt: "We have given us for equal parts. The Club has given me a lot, like the possibility to arrive at the Spanish Selection, being captain of the first team… Although sportly we have not reached the aims, the affection of the people has compensated it all". "I never have walked alone at the Calderon because when you are at your own house you're never alone", he ended saying.


Photo: www.clubatleticodemadrid.com