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Torres: 'My desire is to play my entire career at Atletico and retire here'

Henry Romero / Reuters

It was 2001 when Fernando Torres scored his first goal for Atletico Madrid as a 17-year-old with blonde hair and freckles. Sixteen years on, the Spanish striker wants his last goal to be at Atleti, even if he doesn't know when it will be time for him to hang up his boots.

Torres was asked if he would ever play in Mexico in the future by Toluca FC's Diablosrojos.tv. It was reported in June that Gallos de Queretaro and the Atleti product were in very advanced negotiations, and the tattooed footballer would sign a two-year contract. But he later put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the Spanish club.

"Well, I'm home," Torres answered. "I'm in my home after eight years where I feel really happy, and my desire is to play my entire career at Atletico and retire here by getting triumphs and helping the club continue to be among the best in Europe, and my head at this moment is only thinking about this option."

The interview was uploaded four days after Atleti played Toluca in a friendly to celebrate the Diablos Rojos' centenary. The Partido Centenario ended in a scoreless draw, and Torres played the first half.

After the game, Torres took to Instagram, writing: "Thank you for the reception Mexico, you always make us feel at home. Lots of luck for this year Toluca FC. A pleasure to participate in your party."

Atleti will begin its La Liga adventure Aug. 19, when the club visits Girona FC as part of the league's first matchday.

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