|
|
Llorente: I will leave Athletic Bilbao in the summer
04-Dec-2012 7:25:00 PM
The striker will not renew his contract with Marcelo Bielsa's team and will be available on a free transfer in June, but claims his decision was not affected by the press or fans
Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente has revealed that he will be leaving the Spanish club at the end of the current campaign after failing to agree a new deal with last season's Europa League finalists.The Spain international has been linked with a move away from San Mames throughout 2012 after falling out with coach Marcelo Bielsa, with Juventus amongst the clubs who have been rumoured to be interested in the forward.
The 27-year-old is out of contract in June, and when he was questioned at a press conference as to whether he would be departing Los Leones in the summer, he said: "Yes. It's not about the money and I have not felt blackmailed by the club.
"Looking back at what has happened since I made my first appearance at San Mames has made this a sad decision."
Llorente claimed that the press has not made the situation any easier for him due to the number of rumours about his future that have been circulating in the media, though he claimed that was not the reason for his decision.
He also thanked the club's fans and players for their support.
"The press has not helped anything. They have successfully increased the bad environment, but leaving the team is for other reasons.
"I feel loved by the fans. The players are with me and I really appreciate it."
Despite explaining his desire to leave, the striker has reiterated that he wants to contribute for the remainder of the season, starting with their Europa League game against Sparta Prague on Thursday.
"I want to play. The atmosphere will be fantastic, but we must also play our part."
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Arsenal should build on CL qualification
Arsenal were ecstatic last night after securing fourth place once again. Brendon Netto discusses why it's time Arsenal build on this platform and finally move forward..
-
Player Ratings: West Brom 5-5 Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson was given a farewell to remember, but certainly not for the right reasons as the Romelu Lukaku-led hosts battled back from three goals down to earn an unlikely point
-
Goal Special: FPAI Best Coach nominees
As the Football Players' Association of India (FPAI) awards ceremony is all set to take place on 23rd May, Goal discusses why these 5 coaches deserved to be nominated...
-
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
-
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel