Torres to join AC Milan on permanent deal

Fernando Torres will join AC Milan from Chelsea on a permanent deal on 5 January.

Torres, 30, moved to the Serie A club on a two-year loan in August, effectively ending his Blues career as his contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire in 2016.

Milan are now expected to loan the Spain striker to his former club Atletico Madrid, with Italy winger Alessio Cerci moving to the San Siro in exchange.

Torres joined Chelsea from Liverpool for a then British record transfer fee of £50m in January 2011.

He struggled to live up to the price tag but did help the club win the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup during his time at the Bridge.

In a statement,  Chelsea thanked Torres for “his service during the past four seasons” and wished him “the very best for the future”.

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