Fernando Torres' unforgettable Atletico Madrid career in ten moments LaLiga The forward's best bits

From his first-team debut aged 17 to his historic return in 2015, there are bucket loads of memories for Atletico Madrid and Fernando Torres to cherish now that the striker is leaving in the summer. Here, we pick out his ten best.

Debut and first goal within a week

On May 27, 2001, a 17-year-old nicknamed El Nino stepped onto the Estadio Vicente Calderon pitch for a debut against Leganes in Segunda Division. Just a week later, he came off the bench once more to score within seven minutes and seal a 1-0 win over Albacete. It was the first of many.

A striking golazo

Fast forward to November 2, 2003 and the Estadio Benito Villamarin witnessed a goal that put the young striker on the LaLiga map. Stretching to connect with Jorge Larena's cross late in the first half, Torres notched a simply sublime strike in a game that Atletico otherwise lost 2-1.

Derby duck broken

It wasn't easy for the Spaniard to get one over local rivals Real Madrid and he had to wait until Los Blancos came to the Calderon in 2006/07. Collecting a cross from the right, he controlled the ball nicely and struck a bouncing effort past Iker Casillas.

Camp Nou brace

The sight of Carles Puyol desperately chasing after Torres at the Camp Nou in 2004/05 still sticks with some fans today as the Atletico star ran through to score in Barcelona on a night that he registered a brace, tucking away a late penalty to seal a 2-0 win.

Thanking Los Rojiblancos in South Africa

Part of Spain's victorious World Cup winning squad in 2010, the forward, then at Liverpool, paid tribute to the team where he learned his trade by holding aloft an Atleti scarf along with the trophy.

Hero's return

Although he didn't permanently return to the club until 2016, Torres initially signed on loan from AC Milan in January of 2015. The relief at being back in Madrid was noticeable on his face at the unveiling press conference.

Back to business at the Bernabeu

Not wasting any time now back in a Rojiblanco shirt, the Spaniard popped up at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 15 to register a brace in the Copa del Rey last-16 second leg, earning his side a 4-2 aggregate win.

The best goal since his return

Torres delivered a wonderful strike against Celta Vigo in February 2017 at the Calderon, hooking the ball over his shoulder from 18 yards out in what is likely his best goal since rejoining the club.

A final Calderon classic

In the final game for Atletico at the historic arena, it was unsurprising to see a familiar face net twice against Athletic Club. Hitting the first after eight minutes, Torres had a brace just moments later after turning home Koke's lay-off.

Opening his Wanda account

The 2017/18 season has not been the one Torres hoped it to be and he had to wait until a Copa del Rey game against Elche to score for the first time at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, which was nonetheless a big moment for the fans and their favourite son.