Fernando Llorente

[Socrates 8467]

No ligament damage for Llorente

Jan 28, 2013

Tests have ruled out any ligament damage to the knee of Juventus-bound striker Fernando Llorente.

The Spanish international, who will join the Old Lady in the summer on a free transfer, picked up an injury on Saturday in training with Athletic Bilbao.

The centre-forward had an MRI scan on Monday which showed up just a strain. He will be sidelined for the next 15 days.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente out for two weeks with strained knee ligaments

The striker has not suffered major damage, but he will be missing

for 14 days after an MRI scan revealed the full extent of his problem.

Jan 29, 2013

Athletic Bilbao will be without Fernando Llorente for two weeks after tests revealed he has suffered strained knee ligaments.

The striker was named in the squad to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday but withdrew on the morning of the game after jarring his knee in training.

And though there were initial fears that the problem could be more serious, an MRI scan has revealed the injury is only a minor one.

It has been an eventful couple of weeks for the 27-year-old, who agreed to join Juventus on a four-year-deal last Thursday, when his current contract at San Mames expires at the end of the season.

Llorente has been out of favour for large periods of the campaign after making clear his intention not to renew his contract with Athletic.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa has since opted to use the player sparingly and he has just two goals in 22 appearances to his name this season.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente has 'clear conscience' over Athletic Bilbao exit

The Spain forward says he has no regrets over his conduct in sealing a move to Serie A,

but is disappointed by the negative reaction he has received from supporters and the media.

Feb 3, 2013

Fernando Llorente says he has "a very clear conscience" over his decision to move to Juventus at the end of the season.

The Athletic Bilbao striker has signed a four-year deal to take him to the Bianconeri when his contract expires at San Mames.

However, Llorente has claimed that the negative response to the move has placed him in an unenviable position.

"The situation I am in is still difficult," he told AS.

"Many people are with me and want me, but a lot of other people want me out of here as soon as possible. Going through this after so many years here is hard. I have tried to do everything in the best possible manner so that the board can do the best for Athletic. But it seems that that has not worked out for me.

"I would have liked that to have not happened. It’s difficult to have everybody with you but I would have liked it if they understood my position.

"I have acted well. I have a very clear conscience. I am trying to learn from everything that is happening to me, I hope that all this makes me stronger."

Llorente, who has scored 108 times in over 300 appearances for Athletic, also expressed his dismay at how the affair has been reported in local media outlets.

"I have felt the support of the national press, I must say that," he added.

"But certain local media have been pounding me day after day, and it is one of the things that made me make the decision to leave. I opted to stay silent and not to fight against the terrible things that I have read.

"I didn’t lie [about the good things I said about Marcelo Bielsa]. As a coach he has improved me as a footballer and I have learned a lot. At the end of it all I will stay positive, although there have been differences."

The 27-year-old has endured a frustrating season amid the furore surrounding his decision to leave the club, scoring just twice in 22 appearances.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente targets Champions League success with Juventus

The 27-year-old revealed he turned down a number of other offers in order

to sign for the Serie A champions, and has set his sights on European glory.

Feb 4, 2013

Fernando Llorente believes he is joining "the best team in Italy" in Juventus, and is confident they can mount a serious Champions League challenge in the future.

The Athletic Bilbao striker has signed an agreement to join the Serie A champions in the summer when his deal with the Liga side expires, and is hopeful of winning a number of trophies with Antonio Conte's side once he finally completes his protracted move.

"For me Athletic has been everything, my club for life, but I am going to the best team in Italy, to one of the best in Europe and the world. Triumphing at Juve is a dream, a great challenge for me," he told AS.

"I have had offers from many teams, but it is a very good project. Juve have strongly backed me from the first moment and I have been clear on that.

"I have always liked the competitive spirit of Italian teams; they are the best, and I think that they are the ideal team to try to win the Champions League.

"They’re a winning team, with the aim of winning many titles in the next few years. I see myself there and the future that awaits me excites me so much, and the method of playing that the team has, although I still don’t think about that because I am concentrating on Athletic."

Llorente has been left out Vicente del Bosque's latest Spain squad to face Uruguay this week, but is hoping to win back his place in the national team in time for the 2014 World Cup.

"It hurts me a lot (not being in the national team)," he added.

"For me it was very important to be there and at the moment I have missed out. I want to do things very well at Juve so that I can get back in the national squad ahead of the World Cup. That is my biggest challenge."

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente is key for Del Bosque

Feb 7, 2013

Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque is hoping that Fernando Llorente gets back to his best once he joins Juventus.

The striker will leave Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer at the end of the season once his contract expires.

“I don’t want to do without him for the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign,” the tactician, whose side beat Uruguay 3-1 last night, stated.

“I want him to do really well when he joins Juventus because I consider him to be a fundamental player for our journey.”

The 27-year-old Llorente, nicknamed The Lion King, has scored seven goals in 21 games for his country.

[Socrates 8467]

Madrid were also interested in Llorente, reveals Perez

The Blancos president is in no doubt that the Spain international, who is joining

the Bianconeri on a free transfer, will prove a big hit in both Serie A and the Champions League.

Apr 21, 2013

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed that he was interested in signing Fernando Llorente before the forward agreed to join Juventus.

The Bianconeri announced in January that the Spain international will move to Turin on a free transfer upon the expiration of his current contract with Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season.

Despite Llorente's imminent arrival at the Juventus Stadium, the Italian champions are still said to be pursuing another striker, much to the bemusement of Perez who remains a keen admirer of Llorente.

"You [Juventus] are really looking for a forward?" the Blancos supremo is quoted as saying by Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport. "But you have already taken a really good one: Llorente.

"He's really good. I am certain that he will score a lot and that he will also do well in the Champions League.

"He was also liked by us, but our [transfer] policy does not allow us to take a player whose contract is expiring away from another team."

Despite Perez's recommendation, the 28-year-old Llorente has scored just one goal in 19 appearances for Athletic in La Liga this season.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente training to the maximum

Apr 24, 2013

New Juventus striker Fernando Llorente says he’ll continue to give his all for Athletic Bilbao despite the situation he finds himself in.

The Spanish international has mainly been used as a reserve this term after refusing to sign a new contract with his outfit.

He’ll now join the Italian champions on a free transfer at the end of the season once his present agreement has expired.

“It is hard when you are not given a lot of space in the team,” he told Tuttosport. “However, I understand the situation and the choices of boss Marcelo Bielsa.

“The only thing that I can do is train to my maximum.”

Llorente was given a rare start at the weekend and he grabbed his second La Liga goal of the campaign in the 1-1 at Deportivo.

“Playing was a surprise and it did me well,” added the 28-year-old. “I’m getting better and I’m training to reach 100 per cent.

“I’m happy that my goal helped the team.”

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente convinced of Juve power

May 9, 2013

Juventus-bound Fernando Llorente is convinced that he is joining one of Europe’s top clubs.

“They are one of the best on the continent,” the Athletic Bilbao man noted. “They’ve shown over the last two seasons that they are the best in Italy.

“I’m very happy,” he continued. “Although I’m focused on Athletic right now, there is something very important waiting for me in the future.”

The striker, 28, will move to Turin in the summer on a Bosman free transfer once his current contract expires.

Juventus wrapped up their second consecutive Scudetto on Sunday afternoon. They reached the last eight of the Champions League before falling against Bayern Munich.

[Socrates 8467]

Vidal: Llorente can be Juventus' Ibrahimovic

The Chilean midfielder believes that the powerful attacker will prove
to be a valuable addition for the Serie A champions when he joins in the summer.

May 13, 2013

Arturo Vidal believes that Juventus do not need Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Fernando Llorente set to join the club from Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season.

The Bianconeri confirmed the signing of the Spain international on a free transfer back in January but have since been linked with a move for the Paris Saint-Germain star.

But the Chilean midfielder is confident that the 28-year-old will be a success when he moves to Turin.

"I have seen Llorente play and he is a great striker. He is physically strong and excellent with the ball at his feet, too," Vidal was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"He is unlike any other attacker in Italy. I would say that he is a bit like Ibrahimovic.

"He is powerful, but knows how to use his feet..."

Llorente has scored just three times in La Liga this season, with Marcelo Bielsa having opted to bench him following his refusal to sign a new deal.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente misses Confederations Cup

May 27, 2013

Juventus-bound Fernando Llorente has the summer off, as he has been left out of Spain’s provisional squad for the Confederations Cup.

Heading out to Brazil as world and double European champions, La Roja have listed a provisional 26-man selection, due to be trimmed down at the conclusion of La Liga’s fixtures next weekend.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has pulled few surprises with his choices, listing 20 of the 23 that won last year’s Euro 2012 title, but Llorente is one of those three to lose their place since last summer.

The 28-year-old, who is joining Juventus at the end of June on a Bosman, has not featured for Spain since August 2012’s friendly with Puerto Rico, having endured a miserable season in the shadows at Athletic Bilbao.

[Socrates 8467]

Higuain: 'Wonderful' Juve with Llorente

Jun 2, 2013

Gonzalo Higuain again fuelled links with Juventus by declaring “it’d be wonderful” to partner Fernando Llorente in Turin.

The Argentine striker announced last night that he was going to leave Real Madrid and confirmed the Bianconeri have made an offer.

“There is absolutely no chance of me staying in Madrid. I have made my decision,” Higuain told Spanish media today.

Juventus have already signed Llorente as a free agent from Athletic Bilbao for next season and Higuain was asked if he’d like to form a new partnership with him.

“It’d be wonderful. We’ll see what happens.”

Higuain has shot to the top of the wish-list, as Fiorentina will only accept €30m cash for Stevan Jovetic.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: I would have loved to stay with Valverde

The striker, who will join Juventus this summer, wishes circumstances had been different
as his former boss is linked with a return to San Mames as he prepares to depart.

Jun 4, 2013

Fernando Llorente says he "would have loved" to have stayed at Athletic Bilbao under Ernesto Valverde.

The striker has endured a disappointing campaign at San Mames following his decision to sign a pre-contract agreement with Juventus in January, which will see him move to Turin when his contract expires on July 1.

And with Valverde strongly linked with a return to the club he once played for and coached, following his sacking by Valencia, the 28-year-old admits he wishes he'd had the chance to work with him again.

"I have very fond memories of Ernesto," Llorente told Cadena SER's 'El Larguero' radio programme.

"I would have loved to continue with him, but circumstances have occurred otherwise, and I have another future apart from Athletic and hope to do well in Turin.

"I hope Valverde comes to Athletic Bilbao and takes them to the top. My debut with him was unforgettable and later [Joaquin] Capparos allowed me to grow, but my first season with Bielsa was my best with Athletic.

"In a few months I will go to Turin and it will be more difficult for me to come back here. I feel nostalgic."

Los Leones finished 12th in La Liga, with Llorente finding the back of the net just four times in 26 league appearances.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente a fan of Higuain

Jun 6, 2013

Fernando Llorente believes Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain would make a great teammate at Juventus next season.

The Argentine international is of interest to the Italian champions as they look to strengthen for 2013-14.

“I don’t know which other players will also arrive in Turin,” the Bosman capture told RTVE. “There is a lot of talk about Higuain. If that deal comes off then I believe he will be a great signing.”

The Bianconeri wrapped up a deal for the Spanish international in January after he confirmed that he would not be extending his expiring contract with Athletic Bilbao.

“I'm sorry to be leaving Athletic, I do not deny that,” the 28-year-old, who joined Bilbao in 2004, continued.

“I did not think that my adventure with this club would end so quickly, in fact I thought that I would be here until the end of my career.

“But my future is now at Juventus and I expect a fantastic journey. Their project is important and the team is fantastic. Juventus want to take one step closer to the Champions League.

“A lot of the squad are internationals and that underlines the level of the team.”

The centre-forward has had a problematic campaign as his decision to leave impacted on the number of appearances he made.

Llorente scored just four goals in 26 La Liga appearances in 2012-13.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: 'Juventus are the best'

Jun 8, 2012

Fernando Llorente reveals why he chose Juventus. “They are one of the best teams in Europe and the best in Italy.”

The Athletic Bilbao striker will arrive next month on a Bosman transfer when his contract expires, having agreed terms back in January.

“They are one of the best teams in Europe and the best in Italy,” Spanish international Llorente told Marca today.

“I’m lucky to be able to play for a team like that. I’m really looking forward to entering a new phase.

“Why Juve? Because they have impressed me ever since they expressed an interest. It’s a really big club, comparable to Real Madrid and Barcelona. It’s as though I’ve always known it was my team.”

[Socrates 8467]

Juventus are as big as Real Madrid and Barcelona, says Llorente

The Spain international is flattered to be playing for the Serie A champions
next season after an acrimonious departure from Athletic Bilbao.

Jun 8, 2013

Fernando Llorente is relishing the prospect of playing for Juventus next season, insisting they are a club to rival Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The outgoing Athletic Bilbao striker, who will leave his boyhood club once his contract runs out this summer, is enthused by the prospect of playing under Antonio Conte's leadership at one of Europe's elite sides.

"It's one of the best teams in Europe and the best in Italy," the 28-year-old told Marca. "Juventus has impressed me ever since it expressed an interest.

"It's a really big club, comparable to Real Madrid and Barcelona. I'm lucky to be able to play for a team like that. It's as though I've always known it was my team."

Despite excitement for his imminent move to Italy, the Basque forward admitted he has been saddened by the acrimonious nature of his departure from his boyhood club, with coach Marcelo Bielsa restricting him to just four starts in last season's La Liga.

"I've always attempted to choose the best option for both Athletic and me. I tried to get the best deal but I came up against a brick wall," he concluded.

"I didn't want to go for free. Neither did I want to have the year I've had. I'll never go through that again if I can do anything to avoid it."

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente medical on Monday

Jun 29, 2013

Fernando Llorente will be in Turin on Monday for his medical, then hold a Press conference at the Juventus Stadium.

The 28-year-old Spain international striker already agreed terms with the Bianconeri in January, as his contract with Athletic Bilbao expires tomorrow and he is therefore a free agent.

The official Juventus website has now confirmed Llorente will fly in to Turin on Monday lunchtime for a medical.

The Press conference will be held at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday at 15.00 UK time (16.00 local)

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente set for Juventus medical

The Spain international is joining the Bianconeri on a free transfer
from Athletic Bilbao and will form a new-look attack alongside Carlos Tevez.

Jun 30, 2013

Juventus have announced Fernando Llorente will undergo a medical in Turin on Monday before being officially presented to the press 24 hours later.

The Bianconeri revealed in January the Spain international had agreed to join the Scudetto holders on a free transfer from La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao this summer.

With his contract with the Basque side set to expire on June 30, Llorente is now ready to be formally unveiled as a Juventus player, the club's second star signing in a week, following the acquisition of Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

"The 28-year-old is scheduled to touch down at Turin’s Caselle airport on Monday lunchtime before completing the required medical checks," a statement on the Italian champions' website read.

"The press conference, to be held on Tuesday July 2 at Juventus Stadium, will get under way at 16:00CET."

Llorente scored four goals in the Primera Division last season, after falling out of favour with former Athletic boss Marcelo Bielsa.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente excited by Juve

Jun 30, 2013

Fernando Llorente flies in tomorrow for his Juventus medical, but has already discussed tactics with Antonio Conte.

The striker arrives on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao and will be presented to the Press on Tuesday in Turin.

“Juve are the best Italian team and one of the best in Europe,” he told La Stampa newspaper.

“I can’t wait to start this new adventure. I have faith in my abilities and am not afraid to challenge myself against a different type of football culture.

“I chose Juve because they really wanted me. I spoke to Conte on the phone and it was very important to know the Coach believed in me.”

Carlos Tevez arrived this week, so there is speculation over how the Bianconeri will play next season.

La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport suggested an audacious 3-3-4 system, in which the two wing-backs will push up constantly to form almost an attacking quartet.

This would be a new version of the 4-2-4 that Conte used earlier in his career at Bari and is currently adopted by Giampiero Ventura at Torino.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente targets Champions League glory with Juventus

The Spain striker is pleased to have completed his move to the Bianconeri
and has identified European success as his number one target.

Jul 1, 2013

Fernando Llorente has set his sights on Champions Leage glory with Juventus following his free transfer from Athletic Bilbao.

The 28-year-old underwent his medical at the weekend having already agreed a four-year deal with the Serie A champions in the wake of his decision not to extend his expiring contract with Athletic and is hungry for honours next season.

"Juventus are the strongest team in Italy and one of the best in Europe as well," Llorente was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"The club's project is spectacular. Juventus want to win the Champions League. That's one of the reasons why I came here.

"I never thought that I would leave Athletic, but things have turned out differently. I cannot wait to start this new adventure."

Llorente had made over 300 official appearances for Bilbao over the past nine years.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente picks No 14 shirt?

Jul 1, 2013

Fernando Llorente has been greeted by fans at Turin airport on Monday, as reports suggest he’ll wear the No 14 shirt at Juventus.

The Spain international has flown out to Italy today to undergo a medical and finalise his Bosman transfer, having seen his Athletic Bilbao contract expire on Sunday.

Despite arriving 90 minutes later than expected, the Spaniard was greeted by a crowd of around 50 supporters at Turin airport this afternoon.

Over the course of Monday evening and Tuesday morning, the 28-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a previously agreed four-year deal and complete his medical examination.

Llorente will then be presented to the media on Tuesday afternoon at 4pm local time.

It is speculated that the striker has chosen the No 14 shirt to wear for the Bianconeri, last worn at the club by Mirko Vucinic in 2011-12.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente targets Juventus title hat-trick

The Spain striker laughed off question marks over his readiness
for the season ahead at his official unveiling with the Italian champions.

Jul 2, 2013

Fernando Llorente says he is 100 per cent fit and looking forward to leading Juventus' charge for a third straight Scudetto and further European glory.

The Spain striker has signed a four-year contract with the Turin giants after an unsettling final season with Athletic Bilbao, in which he started only four Liga games due to a dispute with coach Marcelo Bielsa.

But the 28-year-old insists he is physically and mentally ready to spearhead the Juve attack as Antonio Conte's men go in search of more major honours after claiming back-to-back Serie A titles.

"Physically I feel very well," said the Bosman free signing at his official unveiling on Tuesday. "I have worked very hard during my holidays and now I am ready to work even harder in the future.

"Over the last two years I have still done a lot of physical training even when I have played much less. I know Italian football is very difficult, but I am sure I will be able to do well."

The World Cup winner also stressed his delight in joining the Italian champions, explaining that Juve were the sole attraction in his move.

"I decided to come to Italy because this is where Juventus play! I chose to play for Juve because they are a great team, and it is a dream for me to play here. I want to develop as a player and I have chosen the best team with which to do that.

"I have spoken a few times with Antonio Conte and I'm very happy to be able to play under him. Juve played wonderful football last season and deserved to win the Scudetto. Now I want to help the team win and achieve the feat of a third consecutive title. The Champions League, though, is a difficult competition and we must take one step at a time."

Llorente's unveiling comes days after the club confirmed the arrival from Manchester City of Carlos Tevez as Juventus add to an already star-studded squad, and the Spaniard was quick to point out one player in particular he is looking to join forces with.

"I hope that Andrea Pirlo can help me to develop as a player," he said. "I admire champions like Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet too, and the fans' welcome was incredible. They are fantastic. I would like to thank them and say that I am very happy."

The Spain international will wear the No.14 shirt with his new club.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente: 'A dream at Juventus'

Jul 2, 2012

Fernando Llorente reveals why he chose Serie A above the Premier League, as “it’s a dream for me to be playing” for Juventus.

The striker arrived on a free transfer after his contract with Athletic Bilbao expired on Sunday and was presented to the media in Turin with a conference streamed online.

“I like the number 14 and I think that I can play very well with this number. I chose Juventus because they are a great club and it’s a dream for me to be playing here,” he said in his Press conference.

“Juventus is the team that was most interested in me and pushed hardest to sign me. I preferred Serie A to the Premier League because it is a beautiful League and it has Juventus.”

Llorente arrives just days after Carlos Tevez joined from Manchester City, so they can form a brand new striking partnership.

“It’s not just two of us in the team, as there are six strikers and all of us can do well. Who starts is down to Antonio Conte. I think that I can play alongside any of the strikers who are in the squad. They are all great players and I am very happy to be working with them.”

Like Tevez, the hitman was mobbed at his arrival at the airport.

“It was incredible, spectacular and very surprising to be greeted by so many fans. I thank all of them and want to say I’m very happy to be here, to be able to wear such a prestigious jersey as the one of Juventus.

“I do like the nickname Re Leone – Lion King – and I’m happy the fans in Italy call me that. I know Italian football is difficult, but I think I can do very well here. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens over the year.

“I am not worried about the number of goals I’ll score, as the important thing is to help the team win and contribute to a third consecutive Scudetto. That is something Juventus haven’t managed since 1935, so it would be wonderful to break that drought.

“With regards to the Champions League, it is a very difficult tournament, so we have to take it one step at a time. Many top teams play in this competition and we mustn’t feel too much pressure. We need to relax and approach it slowly.

“I was able to talk to Conte a few times. He seemed nice and I am very happy to be able to work with him. They deserved to win the title last season and hopefully we can do it again together.

“I am in great shape, as I worked for two years with Marcelo Bielsa, who is a very tough Coach in training. I also trained during the summer vacation to be ready for this experience.”

Llorente has barely played in the last six months, as his rapport with Athletic Bilbao deteriorated after he refused to sign a contract extension.

“Unfortunately talks did not go well and the Press contributed to creating a negative image, which consequently turned the fans against me too. It wasn’t the way I wanted it to go and I’ll always be grateful to Atleti.

“At this moment I am living the dream of growing as a player and have come to the best club to achieve that.

“It was a complicated season for me with the situation at Athletic Bilbao, as I was unable to play or contribute to my team. Unfortunately that also made it impossible for me to play for my country, so I hope Juventus can help me get back into the Spain squad.

“Did Inter try to bring me to Italy? No, it’s not true.”

The tall centre-forward was asked about his aerial prowess at a club that traditionally does not net many headers.

“Juventus are already set up to help me score many goals with headers. I believe that I can help Juve in every way. I hope to gain my confidence and do better every time. Spanish players can do very well in Italy and I have to prove that this season.”

[Socrates 8467]

Juventus's Fernando Llorente: 'I am ready for the new season'

Jul 2, 2012

New Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has insisted that he is in the right physical condition to begin next season with the Italian club.

The 28-year-old, who agreed to join Juve in January, started just four league games for Athletic Bilbao last season due to a rift with the club.

However, the Spanish striker told reporters at his official unveiling on Tuesday that there should be no concern about his fitness.

"Physically I feel very well. I have worked very hard during my holidays and now I am ready to work even harder in the future," he said.

"Over the last two years I have still done a lot of physical training even when I have played much less. I know Italian football is very difficult, but I am sure I will be able to do well."

Llorente will form a new-look attacking partnership with Carlos Tevez next season.

[Socrates 8467]

Llorente targets back-to-back Serie A
titles after completing Juventus move

The Spain striker laughed off question marks over his readiness
for the season ahead at his official unveiling with the Italian champions.

Jul 2, 2013

Fernando Llorente says he is 100 per cent fit and looking forward to leading Juventus' charge for a third straight Scudetto and further European glory.

The Spain striker has signed a four-year contract with the Turin giants after an unsettling final season with Athletic Bilbao, in which he started only four Liga games due to a dispute with coach Marcelo Bielsa.

But the 28-year-old insists he is physically and mentally ready to spearhead the Juve attack as Antonio Conte's men go in search of more major honours after claiming back-to-back Serie A titles.

"Physically I feel very well," said the Bosman free signing at his official unveiling on Tuesday. "I have worked very hard during my holidays and now I am ready to work even harder in the future.

"Over the last two years I have still done a lot of physical training even when I have played much less. I know Italian football is very difficult, but I am sure I will be able to do well."

The World Cup winner also stressed his delight in joining the Italian champions, explaining that Juve were the sole attraction in his move.

"I decided to come to Italy because this is where Juventus play! I chose to play for Juve because they are a great team, and it is a dream for me to play here. I want to develop as a player and I have chosen the best team with which to do that.

"I have spoken a few times with Antonio Conte and I'm very happy to be able to play under him. Juve played wonderful football last season and deserved to win the Scudetto. Now I want to help the team win and achieve the feat of a third consecutive title. The Champions League, though, is a difficult competition and we must take one step at a time."

Llorente's unveiling comes days after the club confirmed the arrival from Manchester City of Carlos Tevez as Juventus add to an already star-studded squad, and the Spaniard was quick to point out one player in particular he is looking to join forces with.

"I hope that Andrea Pirlo can help me to develop as a player," he said. "I admire champions like Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet too, and the fans' welcome was incredible. They are fantastic. I would like to thank them and say that I am very happy."

[Socrates 8467]

How Juventus Can Best Exploit Summer Signing Fernando Llorente

Jul 7, 2012

During the January transfer window, Juventus declared that they would bring in hulking Spanish striker Fernando Llorente from Athletic Club.

The player didn't join until recently this summer, and can now look forward to his new career with the Bianconeri.

After five seasons of scoring double digits in La Liga, Llorente managed only one league goal last season with the Basque club. Of course, this was due to the rift with coach Marcelo Bielsa, who shunned the striker affectionately known as El Rey Leon.

Llorente's attitude was the reason for his benching, as he made it clear he wanted to join a club with greater ambition.

Earlier in the year I caught up with Ballon d'Or co-host Kay Murray, who gave me a brief synopsis on what type of player Fernando Llorente is:

If you forget this season, which Fernando Llorente is no doubt hoping to do himself, you will remember that this player was Spain's most in-form striker just a couple of seasons back. He's your typical target man, very imposing with great aerial ability.

He's particularly strong when it comes to scoring from set pieces. In recent seasons he had grown in confidence and learned how to combine his skills with his immense physical prowess to be able to offer more aggressive and direct aspect to his game.

Llorente joins a team that was previously starved for a true threat in the attacking sector. He'll partner up with another star signing—Carlos Tevez, and hope to create a formidable partnership which will spearhead Juventus to the upper-echelons of Europe.

An intimidating aerial presence, Llorente will see plenty of crosses flung his way from Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah, who operate the wings for Juventus. In the center of the park, Andrea Pirlo can provide him the right surging through ball to get the Spaniard in open space, where he can unleash one of his cannon shots.

In the end, Llorente will have to brush off the rust that he has accrued in the past season, and hopefully will settle into the Serie A rather quickly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7z6ThxbOwM