Spain forward Fernando Torres is set to return to boyhood club, Atletico Madrid on loan from AC Milan until the end of the 2015-16 season.
The 30-year-ol swift attacker, who has been struggling for goals since joining Chelsea from Liverpool in 2011, initially moved to Milan on loan from the west London club last August.
But Chelsea and Milan agreed on Saturday to make the switch permanent, paving the way for Torres to be loaned to Atletico, where he will hope to resurrect his stuttering career under the highly inspirational manager, Diego Simeone.
Atletico confirmed the deal under a giant "Torres is back" banner on their website.
"In this way, the forward from Fuenlabrada returns to his home where he was trained as a footballer and became one of their big stars," the club added.
Meanwhile, Torres have expressed his delight at the switch. Speaking at the International Sports Conference in Dubai, the 2013 FIFA Confederation Cup Golden Boot winner said:
"This has been a fantastic club over the last few years winning many trophies. There is a time when everyone must go back home.
"I was standing in the stands when I was a kid. I feel it is a privilege to have the chance to go back. I’m looking forward to enjoying playing and training again.
"I’m happy because I’ve said many, many times that I can’t hide where I come from. It’s an honour to be a part of Atletico Madrid.
"I made my dream come true when I played my first game for them at 17. I tried to go back to the first division but I couldn’t lead the team back to Europe and I left because we both understood it was best for both.
"It is seven and a half years since I left, but the passion to play for Atletico was always there. I have been waiting for that time for many years.
"It is difficult to explain with words how I feel right now. I can’t wait to land in Madrid."
The deal is subject to Torres passing a medical and will be finalised on Jan. 5 when the Italian transfer window opens.