Delighted Torres shunned Real
Fernando Torres is thrilled to be staying at Atletico and shunned interest from Real.
Fernando Torres has spoken of his delight at committing his future to Atletico Madrid and revealed that there was interest in him from city rivals Real.The 22-year-old is one of Europe's hottest striking properties and was linked with a host of top clubs this summer, particularly after an impressive showing at the World Cup.
The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Milan have all been credited with an interest in the youngster, but, an Atletico fan who came through the club's youth ranks, Torres has now penned a revised three-year deal that ties him to the Vicente Calderon until 2009.
Atletico - who have underachieved on a regular basis in recent years - are delighted by his loyalty and president Enrique Cerezo lavished praise on him at a press conference to confirm the new deal.
"Fernando has been an Atletico fan since a child and will die an Atletico fan," Cerezo stated.
"He wanted to stay here and we wanted him to also, when both sides want the same thing it's unlikely things won't work out.
"He is an example to his team-mates, the club's staff, the fans, everybody.
"This is his home and will always continue to be."
Torres insists he never seriously considered leaving despite some big money offers, claiming his love for the club would always outweigh financial concerns.
"After a very hectic summer when nobody thought I would end up staying here, the most important thing was that I wanted to stay and the club wanted me here - that meant that the offer from my club was more important than what other people could offer me," he explained.
"The club knows that many important teams came in with a lot of money, good for both me and the club, but nothing is more important than feelings.
"For me it is a special day, the important thing is that we can say I'm staying and I want to thank the club and the fans."
Torres also revealed that he had been approached by some of the candidates in the recent Real Madrid presidential election who wanted to use his signature as part of their manifesto.
However, he was not swayed by the interest, preferring to remain true to his beloved 'Rojiblancos'.
"I have never said I wanted to leave," he continued. "There is not the money nor the titles to make me change my mind.
"I have extended my contract for three years, but it could become more.
"Not all the Real Madrid presidential candidates called me, but some did. I directed them to Atletico because my intention was to continue."
