Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone delivered Fernando Torres an assuring message last week.
Off contract in June, Torres struck twice in victory over Athletic Bilbao.
It's been suggested Simeone pulled Torres aside one day last week to inform him, "Fernando, I count on you."
Simeone told Torres that should their appeal against their FIFA transfer ban fail, he will be handed a new contract. However, if it is successful, Atletico will seek to sign two new strikers.
Torres will be offered new terms, but will have to compete for his place.