Milinko Pantic backs Fernando Torres

Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Milinko Pantic has backed Fernando Torres to return to his best at the Vicente Calderon.

The Spaniard returned to Atletico on an 18-month loan from AC Milan on Monday, and Pantic believes that the move is "great news" for both parties.

"I think it's great news. How Diego Simeone will play Torres is his issue, not mine. If he plays one or two strikers is not my concern. As a fan, though, I think it's great," he told AS.

"He is back home. People will treat him with love, and I hope he gets back to his best – not only for Atletico but also for the national team, as he has been a very important player for them as well."

Pantic represented Atletico between 1995 and 1998.