At 34, the former Spanish international Fernando Torres decided to leave Europe. He signed a 18-month contract with the Japanese club Sagan Tosu.

Torres, who spent last four seasons at Atletico Madrid, had offers from various clubs and leagues, but he decided to follow the footsteps of a fellow Spaniard Andres Iniesta, who had moved from Barcelona to Vissel Kobe a few weeks ago.

Torres, who started his career at Atletico, had also spells at Liverpool, Chelsea and Milan before returning to Madrid in 2014.

Between 2003 and 2014, Torres played 110 matches for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup as well as Euro 2008 and 2012 with La Roja.