Torres, whose last club was Japan’s Sagan Tosu, chose the league game against Vissel Kobe as the last match of his career because former Spain teammates David Villa and Andres Iniesta play for the opponents.
Torres failed to find the back of the net as Iniesta inspired Vissel Kobe to a resounding 6-1 victory on Friday, but Simeone waxed lyrical about the former Chelsea and Liverpool striker in a news conference ahead of Atletico Madrid’s league game against Leganes on Sunday.
"I think Fernando is very intelligent, an absolute legend of football, he has earned his place in football for his work, commitment and respect for others," Simeone said.
"He has always had a great respect, as a person and footballer. I imagine he will take his time to prepare and decide in the best way where he wants [his career to take him after retirement] and respond to that responsibility.
"Hopefully that's not in so many years, because then we could meet again."
Torres came through the youth ranks at Atletico Madrid and was made club captain at age 19 in a side that contained an ageing Diego Simeone, who later became his coach in his second spell at the club.
Torres was part of the Spain side that won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and also scored the winning goal against Germany in the final of the 2008 European Championships.
Despite finishing level on three goals with Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Mandzukic, Russia’s Alan Dzagoev, Mario Gomez and Mario Balotelli, Torres was awarded the golden boot at EURO 2012 as Spain won a second consecutive European Championship.
