Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has revealed that the reception that greeted him on his return to Atletico Madrid was "spectacular".

Torres was returning to the club for the first time since leaving Madrid in 2007, and after completing the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between the two sides, the Spaniard was admitted that the whole occasion at the Vicente Calderon was "special".

The 30-year-old told UEFA.com: "Coming back here to the Vicente Calderon after seven years couldn't have been more special, especially doing so in a Champions League semi-final.

"During the game, you have to focus on competing, but before and afterwards, my reception here was spectacular. I am eternally grateful to the supporters for the welcome that they gave me."

Torres scored 91 goals in 243 appearances at Atletico before departing for Liverpool.