Transfer News: AC Milan Striker Fernando Torres Insisted He Had To Leave Chelsea And Believes He Made The Right Choice In Choosing The Italian Giants

The 30-year-old hitman found himself further down the pecking order after the summer arrival of Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge, and sought pastures new as a result.

The Spaniard has been working under former Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi since completing a two-year loan move and is already feeling more confident after a disastrous spell in south London.

"I had decided to leave Chelsea," Torres told Corriere dello Sport. 

"With Mourinho there was a relationship of respect, but the club had bought a new striker.

"With the Coach I had spoken often about my future, he wanted me to stay in London. But I needed a new stimulus for my career.

"That day I received a phone call from Milan. I was presented with the offer I had been waiting for. I was at a particular moment in my career.

 "I needed a change and I was aiming to find a team that would guarantee me a starting spot. I had other opportunities, but I chose Milan because they proved that they really wanted me.

"But no Champions League? The club is experiencing a situation that they are not used to. For me, it was a greater incentive to help Milan return to where they deserve to be."

Before Torres arrived on English soil, the then-Atletico Madrid youngster was linked with a move to The Rossoneri back in 2001/02 - a move which may have tempted him had an offer been made.

"It was a different era and Atletico had no intention of selling me," Torres added.

" It would have been nice to play in the Milan side that beat Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League Final, or in the side of Shevchenko.

"This is another team - now they will fight to return to Europe."