Fernando Torres will be hard-pressed to forget the day when he was reintroduced to the Atlético fans.

The Calderón stands were rocking for the occasion. Around 45,000 supporters packed out the stadium to welcome home the prodigal son after his spells in the Premier League and Serie A.

Queues started snaking their way around the Calderón more than two hours in advance of the official start time for the big event. There was anticipation and joy in the air, with no one wanting to miss the moment when the striker set foot on the hallowed pitch again for the first time. Some members of the Frente Atlético ultra group were even in attendance, with the odd flare being let off in their section.

"The fans' excitement demonstrates what a huge mark you left at the club", Atlético president Enrique Cerezo stated, before giving the floor to Torres to greet the adoring crowd at the ground he used to come to as a kid.

The former Liverpool, Chelsea and AC Milan marksman watched Atlético's victory over Levante on Saturday night from the Calderón's directors' box and is expected to play his first minutes back at the club in the upcoming Copa del Rey tie against Real Madrid.