Fernando Torres to leave Atletico Madrid at end of season

The final weeks of Atletico Madrid's season will be a time for supporters to say farewell to a club legend, as Fernando Torres confirmed Monday he will call time on his career with Los Rojiblancos.

Although he has yet to announce his plans beyond this season, Torres revealed that he will end his long-term association with Atletico once his contract expires in June.

"When I arrived at the age of 10, I always thought that Atletico would be my home," he told reporters, according to Spanish outlet Marca. "I have enjoyed the Atleti that I always dreamt of.

"I'd like to take the opportunity to say that this season will be my last at the club.

"It has not been an easy decision, it has cost me a lot to take it.

"Given the reality, the circumstances, maybe it is for the best."

Torres emerged as one of Europe's top forwards during his first spell in the Spanish capital, but gained international recognition during an extremely successful career at Liverpool, where his incredible form saw him finish third in voting behind winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the 2008 Ballon d'Or.

The 34-year-old, who did not take part in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid, has featured primarily off the bench this season but insists that he's eager to contribute and possibly mark the end of an era with a title.

"I believe I can offer something in games, but the reality of the season is not that," Torres added.

"If everything goes well I can go out with a title.

"This year I'm playing a lot less than the previous one but I have never surrendered."

Atletico's chances of overcoming Barcelona's 11-point advantage atop the Liga table are slim, but Torres will have a chance to lift his third continental title if the capital-city outfit triumphs in the Europa League. The Spanish forward previously won the Europa League and Champions League when he was at Chelsea.