Llorente: I can not guarantee I will still be with Athletic Bilbao in 2013
The Athletic Bilbao striker is not interested in signing a new deal at this point, and can not make any promises as to whether he will stay put until the end of the season
Sep 17, 2012 7:30:00 AM
By Samuel Tighe
Getty
The Spain international appeared to be close to joining Juventus in the summer transfer window after telling Athletic that he does not want to extend his expiring deal.
Even though his proposed move to the Serie A giants eventually fell through, Llorente has made it clear that he can not make any promises as to whether he will remain at the Basque side until the end of the season.
"I can not guarantee that I will still be with Athletic in 2013. In January I'm free to talk and I will consider all my options. But I want to forget about that and help the team. The less people talk about me the better," he stated to Cadena SER.
The Euro 2012 winner has dealt with months of speculation over his future but believes no one should begrudge him a move to another club after everything he's given to Los Leones.
Known as "El Rey Leon," Llorente has been at Bilbao since 2005 and has made over 200 appearances for the club. He was a revelation last year in a new system under Bielsa, netting 30 goals in all competitions.
"It hurts that people have turned against me. It hurts that they doubt me, I've always given everything for Athletic," Llorente told radio station Cadena SER.
"Even if at some point in my career I don't play with Athletic, it will always be my team. It's personal. The club have given me everything, it's where I grew up from the time I was a boy.
"If for whatever reason I leave here, nobody should be annoyed with me. It's a personal decision that people should respect."
Llorente netted his first goal of the season in Athletic's 3-3 draw with Espanyol at the weekend.
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