Atlético president Enrique Cerezo has refused to rule out a possible homecoming for Fernando Torres, with Milan eager to offload the on-loan striker. "There's no Torres deal, but that doesn't mean there won't be one", he remarked.

Cerezo also voiced his backing for under-fire Spanish FA head Ángel María Villar, stating that the former Athletic de Bilbao midfielder has Spanish football's best interests at heart and is working hard to stamp violence out of stadiums so as to avoid a repeat of the tragic events of a few weeks ago.

"Villar is supporting the attempt to rid football of violence and is fighting to make it happen", Cerezo noted. The Atlético chief was speaking during an interview with the Spanish public broadcaster, in which he was asked about Villar's omission during his Christmas speech on Monday of any reference to the brawl that resulted in the death of Deportivo ultra Francisco Javier 'Jimmy' Romero Taboada.

Cerezo also defended Villar's absence from the meeting on 4th December at which an action plan was devised to combat fan violence, as he was away on UEFA business. The 'Rojiblancos' supremo claimed that this no-show in no way reflected Villar's attitude towards the issue or his relationship with the High Council for Sport (CSD), the Spanish football league or the clubs. "He [Villar] will always fight to kick out violence", Cerezo added.