Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has hinted that he would be open to returning to Atletico Madrid in the future.

The 30-year-old, who left Atletico for Liverpool in 2007, has been linked with a move back to the Vicente Calderon.

Reports have claimed that Torres, who has been inconsistent for the Blues, could be tempted away from Stamford Bridge if Chelsea bring in a high-profile striker in the summer.

"In football you never know," the London Evening Standard quotes Torres as saying. "You can't be sure where you're going to be tomorrow or in a week or in 10 years.

"I have a lot of admiration for Cholo (Atletico head coach Diego Simeone) from when we were teammates. He helped me a lot and taught me to be captain. I always want to work alongside people I admire."

Torres, who signed for Chelsea from Liverpool for £50m in 2011, has two years remaining on his Chelsea contract.