Atletico rule out Torres transfer
Torres is one of Europe's brightest prospects
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Thursday, 21, Jun 2007 09:02
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has dismissed reports that star striker Fernando Torres could be set for a summer exit.
The Spanish international has been linked to several major European clubs in recent seasons but has always opted to stay at Atletico.
And despite interest from the big guns in the English Premiership, including Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, Torres will not leave according to Cerezo.
"Torres is an Atletico Madrid player and I think he will stay here for many years to come," he commented.
"This happens every year. Everyone talks about rumours and throws figures about but Atletico are clear. Anyway, even if we put him up for sale, would he really want to leave?"
Torres is thought to be valued at around £25 million, although the 23-year-old's price tag is unlikely to deflect interest from clubs with the spending power of the Premiership's top three.
The player is a veteran of the Spanish national side, despite his tender years, having made 42 appearances, scoring 14 times.
He has also struck up a formidable partnership with fellow Spanish marksman David Villa in the national side, who is also believed to be a summer transfer target for a host of top English clubs.