Llorente insists depleting contract will not mean loss of focus

Dec 29, 2012 9:00:00 PM

With the January window looming and the potential for the Athletic Bilbao striker to seek a new club approaching, he has moved to calm fears that his concentration will be affected

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has insisted that his depleting contract will not cause him to lose focus and seek out a new club.

The Spain international’s deal with the Basque club comes to an end at the climax of the 2012-13 season, and he has been linked with a number of high-profile clubs ahead of the winter transfer window.

"Starting in January, I can sign with any team, but that does not worry me," the forward told reporters at a football tournament in Tenerife.

"The only thing that worries me is being fit to help my team.

"I will try to do my best from here to the end of the season. I would not wish to be in the situation I'm going through now with my club, things happen and you have to accept [that].”

Llorente looks likely to leave Athletic either in January or in the summer having confessed his desire to part ways with the Liga club, with Serie A champions Juventus one of the most-rumoured destinations.

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