Fernando Torres needed 'change of scenery', says Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

The striker want on loan to AC Milan

Fernando Torres watches AC Milan from the stands (GETTY IMAGES)

Jose Mourinho believes Fernando Torres needed a "change of scenery" from Chelsea, but the Portuguese would have preferred if the Spain striker had moved to Inter Milan rather than AC Milan.

Torres agreed a two-year loan move to Milan - and not Mourinho's former team Inter - after a challenging three-and-a-half-years at Stamford Bridge following his £50million arrival from Liverpool in January 2011.

"I'm an Interista and I would have preferred if he'd gone to Inter," Chelsea boss Mourinho told reporters at a UEFA coaching seminar in Nyon.

"However, I hope that he does equally well at Milan. What I can say about Fernando is that as a person and a professional, there is nothing to doubt about him."

Mourinho added: "He's a fantastic boy and a great professional. However, he needed a change of scenery."