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It’s official: Fernando Torres is heading back to Atletico Madrid

AC Milan v FC Internazionale Milano - Serie A

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 23: Andrea Ranocchia of FC Internazionale and Fernando Torres of AC Milan (R) compete for the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale Milano at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2014 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa - Inter/Getty Images)

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Chelsea announced over the weekend that Fernando Torres’ loan move to AC Milan would be a permanent one, and the Italian club has wasted no time in loaning him back home.

Torres will join Atletico Madrid when the transfer window opens next Monday, where he will stay until the expiration of the loan at the end of the 2015-16 season.

The 30-year-old Spanish forward hasn’t found his rich vein of form since leaving Liverpool for Chelsea in 2011, and hasn’t even found the consistency he enjoyed prior to that at Atleti. Now he’ll get to see if La Liga can be his fountain of youth.

[ MORE: Premier League roundup ]

It’s been widely speculated that struggling Atleti striker Alessio Cerci will go to Milan in the deal. Cerci scored 13 goals for Torino last season in Serie A, a career high, but has just one goal for Atletico Madrid.

At last back home. Thanks to all that have made this dream come true. Forza @Atleti. #TorresHaVuelto pic.twitter.com/HZjMI5v6Gl

— Fernando Torres (@Torres) December 29, 2014

Atleti is three points back of Barcelona for second place in La Liga, and four points back of Real Madrid for the top spot (though Real has played one less match due to its participation in the Club World Cup). Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic lead the club with six La Liga goals each, and Mandzukic has been especially good with five more goals in the UEFA Champions League.

Follow @NicholasMendola