United target Torres to stay in Madrid

Manchester United's reported interest in Spanish international Fernando Torres appears to have been rebuffed after the striker…

Manchester United's reported interest in Spanish international Fernando Torres appears to have been rebuffed after the striker ruled out a move away from Atletico Madrid.

The 22-year-old international, Atletico's top scorer in each of the last four seasons, had remained quiet over his future since returning from the World Cup finals but has now spoken of his desire to stay in the Spanish capital.

"I am here for the pre-season just like last year and have no intention to leave. I want to stay here," Torres told a news conference today.
United and Inter Milan were believed to have targetted Torres but the striker said he was only focused on Atletico.

"We need to forget about last season's disappointments. We have a new coach (Javier Aguirre) in whom I have confidence and he does in me," Torres added. "We have signed some great new players and I am really looking forward to working with them next season."

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Torres, who has 34 caps with Spain, has a contract with Atletico until 2008. Atletico finished 10th in Primera Liga last season.