Torres Not Here For Long - Atleti Chief
Torres has been handed a Spanish recall by coach Luis Aragones, after being dropped in November. That allows him to turn out at Old Trafford - supposedly his next destination at club level.
Rumours have long linked Torres with a switch to Manchester United, and
Pitarch admitted today that he believed it was difficult for Atleti to hold on to their skipper for much longer.
"To have another Fernando Torres coming from the youth team is almost impossible," Pitarch told Onda Cero. "And I do not believe that he himself is going to stay on with Athletic.
"[Last summer] we received a 'millionaire' offer for him, but the club made a huge effort to keep him, and he stayed.
"But he is not normal, he is a geniuine star. When players such as Crespo, Vieri, Van Nistelrooy and Ronaldo are gone, there are not many others who can assume that mantle."
Having pretty much thrown in the towel on keeping him beyond the summer, Pitarch went on to admit that it would be difficult for Atleti to make up for his absence. "That our youth team produces another Fernando Torres is difficult, almost impossible. It can happen, but I do not know after how long again."
Manchester United are rumoured to have already reached an understanding with his agent, though Chelsea and Milan are also in the fray.