Torres: This is a special season for me

Torres: This is a special season for me

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has recalled during a press conference in China, that one of the trophies that has evaded his clutches has been that of La Liga. He hasn't won a league title in any of the countries in which he has played, and it would be "special" for him to achieve it with Diego Simeone's side.

"I have titles to win. For example, I haven't won a league title. I have never won it and to do so with Atletico would be special. You always have to aspire to everything, winning titles is what I've been missing. And I will give my life and everything I have in order to achieve it," the striker said, ahead of a friendly against Shanghai SIPG.

The forward explained that returning to Atletico has completed his aim of "completing the cycle" and hopes to spend "many years" at the Madrid-based club. "Now, I am not thinking about anything else."

"I hope to keep winning, I feel good and I am raring to play at a high level. I still have some good years left in me and I want to enjoy them here. And I want the fans to enjoy it with me. I want to win titles, whether it will be this season, or the one afterwards."

Torres has taken back the number nine shirt that he wore during his first years at Atletico, which he couldn't pick up in January due to the presence of Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, meaning that he had to use the number 19 until the end of last season.

"I am happy to wear the number which I grew up with at the club. I am grateful for the opportunity, it has reenergised me to play with the same number that I played for so many years with as a player. It is a special season for me," he said.

When asked about the national team, Torres hoped that Spain can "keep up their success" and reflected on the role of Atletico in Vicente Del Bosque's set-up, with first-team regulars like Juanfran or Koke involved.

"Before, there had not been any Atletico players in the national team, and now there are several and this shows the level of the team. It is good for the national team, for the country and for the club that Atletico is at a high level of quality and it is a prize for doing good things at this club."