Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 6y

Fernando Torres: I hope this is not my last goal for Atletico Madrid

Departing Atletico Madrid veteran Fernando Torres said he hoped he had not scored his last goal for the club after netting as a substitute in Sunday afternoon's 3-0 La Liga win at home to Levante.

Atletico were always in control of the game and went ahead just past the half-hour mark when Angel Correa shot low to the net from 10 yards, after a good run by Vitolo had opened up the visitors' defence.

Antoine Griezmann was booked just before half-time when referee Jesus Gil Manzano saw a dive to try and win a penalty, but the France international was happier soon after the break when he smashed home a cross from Sime Vrsaljko to make it 2-0.

Rojiblanco fans favourite Torres entered for Griezmann on the hour mark, with the 34-year-old marking his first game since announcing his summer departure by volleying in the 100th La Liga goal of his career.

Speaking to BeIn on the final whistle the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker said he still felt he could play an important role in upcoming games which include a pair of Europa League semifinals against Arsenal.

"For me I appreciate every game I get, from here until the end of the season," Torres said. "I hope this is not my last goal, or the last game. I keep fighting to be in the team, and to score goals."

The three points means Atletico secured Champions League qualification for a sixth successive season under Diego Simeone, having played in the competition only twice in the previous 16 years before the Argentine took charge.

"We are happy as this is the best way to prepare for what is coming," Torres said. "It was a special day for the kids. A good result, the team played well in all aspects. Now we move on to the next match."

Torres said his view of the Griezmann diving incident was that his teammate had been hard done by.

"From the bench, far away, it seemed the typical move where there is contact with the keeper," he said. "The referee needs to determine if it was enough for a penalty, but for me it did not deserve a yellow card. Luckily it did not affect us getting the three points."

^ Back to Top ^