Twitter Reacts to Fernando Torres' Muted Celebration Against Atletico Madrid

Former Atletico Madrid star Fernando Torres paid the ultimate respect to his old side after putting his current employers Chelsea a goal to the good in the Champions League semi-final second leg.

The urge to celebrate wildly given what is at stake must have been intense, but journalist Mark Bolton detailed why any celebration was muted:

Paddy Power tried to throw a comedic tone on proceedings:

ESPN wanted to know what the reaction would be if things started to go wrong for the Spaniard:

Broadcast journalist Ian Abrahams was unequivocal. He believes that players should celebrate against their former clubs:

There are clearly two schools of thought, but Torres really shouldn't be castigated for his refusal to celebrate against a club he served so well.

Don't forget, he was made captain of the Rojiblancos at 19 years of age and one Diego Simeone was a teammate of Torres'. 

It's therefore entirely appropriate that the Spaniard didn't go overboard.

Not that such a point of view finds any resonance at all with Paul Hayward of the Daily Telegraph. The chief sports writer, noting who Torres' employers are, finds the lack of celebration "ridiculous":

What Hayward and others haven't taken into account is the possibility that Torres might just be returning to the Vicente Calderon from next season.

Per ESPN, Torres had hinted at a return to the club he loves:

"

It could not be more special than to return to the Calderon after seven years [...]before and after, it was very emotional. The reception I will never forget.

It is difficult to explain what I felt going onto the pitch, at the end of the game, when they sang my name. They have always given me more than I have given them.

"

It really would therefore have been professional suicide to be seen to be revelling in their exit from Europe's premier football competition, and whilst everyone has their opinion Torres' stance should be respected.