Fernando Torres: Ex-Liverpool forward wants Atletico Madrid stay

Atletico Madrid's on-loan striker Fernando Torres says he wants to stay at the Vicente Calderon beyond the summer.

The 31-year-old returned to his boyhood club from AC Milan on an 18-month loan deal in January 2015 and has made 37 league appearances for the Spanish side.

Reports in January suggested that Atletico coach Diego Simeone was lukewarm about the idea of extending Torres's stay.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea forward has scored four goals in 18 league appearances for Atletico this season, with two of those coming in the club's last two matches against Getafe and Eibar respectively.

"Now is not the time to listen to offers, nor do I have any interest, I want to be at Atleti," Torres was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"My future is to win here. It is something I have not done yet.

"Today I have the good fortune to play where I want, I do not know until when, but I want to enjoy every game."

'Consistency'

With Jackson Martinez leaving the Vicente Calderon to join Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande, Torres is hoping to stake his claim for a permanent spot in Atletico's starting XI.

"I am aware that my performance has to be better," he said.

"I want to play a leading role and since I have arrived I have not had consistency. Maybe I have not earned it.

"I always want to play for 90 minutes but I have to improve."

Simeone was effusive in his praise of Torres after the Spain international scored the only goal of the game against Getafe on 14 February.

"He started very well, it was a very quick play in front of the area, with a good finish," the Argentine coach was reported as saying after the match by ESPN.

"Goals always strengthen the forwards and hopefully that's the case with Fernando."