Fernando Torres knew the writing was on the wall for him at Chelsea the moment Diego Costa arrived at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea striker has agreed a two-year loan deal at AC Milan and will see out the remainder of his Blues contract in Italy.

His Spanish international team-mate Costa was the club’s big summer signing after moving to west London from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £32million in July.

Chelsea's Diego Costa celebrates against Everton
Instant impact: Chelsea's Diego Costa celebrates against Everton

Costa has hit the ground running at Chelsea and the powerhouse striker’s huge impact in the Premier made it increasingly unlikely Torres would win back a starting spot.

However, the former Liverpool man, who remains the Blues’ record signing, has revealed his mind was made up to leave long before Costa starting banging in the goals in England.

“Obviously I could see what the season at Chelsea was going to be,” Torres said at his Milan unveiling.

Disillusioned: Fernando Torres

“They signed a striker that was expecting to play and I need to have this feeling of being important.

"I want to thank my two English clubs, Liverpool for bringing me to the Premier League and Chelsea for the trophies I won.

“After all these years, however, I needed a change, something that would give me the desire to play, to feel important.

Spanish contingent: Chelsea's Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres in the dugout

“AC Milan is all I needed, a great club with great fans where I will try to shine and come back myself.

“I'm happy to be here, I can't wait to begin. I played in La Liga and in the Premier League, now I am in the third most important league in Europe.”

Torres managed just 20 goals in 110 Premier League games for Chelsea, however he lifted the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup  during his time in SW6.