Fernando Llorente

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente: I feel important in the Juventus squad

Nov 25, 2013

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has revealed that he’s starting to finally settle into the squad and feel important at the club.

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The 28-year-old, who joined from Athletic Bilbao over the summer, scored a goal for the Bianconeri in their 2-0 win over Livorno on Sunday and admitted that he’s looking to repay the confidence of coach Antonio Conte.

Llorente spoke to Mediaset Premium after the victory and commented on his goal, while also conceding that he’s beginning to feel more comfortable at Juventus.

“We knew that this game was going to be tough and it was,” said the Spanish international.

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“My goal was important because it broke the tie and put us ahead. We have to continue like this.

“It’s normal that I had some trouble in the beginning. Now I’m improving and I feel myself always getting better.

“I feel that I’ve become important to this team and I try to repay the confidence of the coach.”

[Socrates 7998]

Ravanelli hails Juventus’ Llorente

Nov 26, 2013

Fabrizio Ravanelli has been left impressed by the recent form of Juventus’ summer signing Fernando Llorente.

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The latter arrived at the club on a Bosman free transfer after his contract with Athletic Bilbao had expired.

However, it took some time for him to break into the first team plans of Antonio Conte, before finally starting to ripple the net with consistency.

“The Spaniard is doing well,” Ravanelli, a former Juve forward, told Sky Sport Italia. “He is an important signing for Juve.

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“He’s now finally finding his dimension after a difficult start. He’s offering his experience and quality which is what the Old Lady needed.”

The 28-year-old, who scored and assisted in the 2-0 win at Livorno, has three goals in 10 Serie A appearances. He also has two in three Champions League ties.

[Socrates 7998]

Juve strike duos compared

Nov 26, 2013

Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente are reminiscent of Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet, the French striker has claimed.

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The summer signings have taken to life in Italy after signing from Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao respectively.

And the ex-Juventus man has insisted that the new strike partnership is evocative of his and Del Piero’s.

“I think Tevez is the ideal strike partner for Llorente,” he told Goal.com.

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“Technically, Tevez and Llorente remind me of myself and Del Piero.

“Llorente is a true centre-forward, and will only get better for Juventus. He is becoming increasingly important.”

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente only focused on Juve

Nov 26, 2013

Fernando Llorente has insisted that his only focus at the moment is to do well with Juventus, and get his team to the Champions League knock-out round.

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The Bianconeri host Copenhagen tomorrow in a must-win match for Antonio Conte’s men, but the striker has claimed that his only worry is doing well for the club, not peaking for the World Cup.

The more I play, the better I feel,” he told a Press conference. “I’ve always said that I want to improve every day.

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“I want to be a better player and I believe I’m doing a good job here, where I’m also able to help the team. I think that I can still develop a lot more.

“There’s still a long way to go until the World Cup, now isn’t the moment to talk about that. I know that I have to do really well here, that’s the main thing on my mind, and helping this team to win could be what gives me the chance to be there.”

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente: 'Hard to forget Istanbul'

Dec 15, 2013

Fernando Llorente admits it’s “difficult to forget” the defeat to Galatasaray, but Juventus must focus on Sassuolo.

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The Bianconeri were knocked out of the Champions League with a 1-0 loss in Istanbul on Wednesday, a game that was played over two days due to an interruption amid a snowstorm.

Today at 18.30 CET they host Sassuolo in Serie A.

“It is difficult to forget the Galatasaray game, as it was decisive for us,” Llorente told Mediaset Premium.

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“Now we have to dedicate all our attention to Sassuolo, who have already earned points away to Napoli and Roma this season, so we know it won’t be easy.

“Every game is important and we must be aggressive from the start to bring home the victory. We must send a message to ourselves with a strong performance.”

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente still improving at Juve

Dec 23, 2013

Spanish international striker Fernando Llorente is satisfied with his first six months as a Juventus player.

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The forward joined the club in the summer from Athletic Bilbao on a Bosman free after his contract expired.

“I’m improving and happy to play for a great team,” Llorente stated after he grabbed his fifth League goal of the campaign at Atalanta.

“Everyone works for each other and helps out their teammates.

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“It was hard against Atalanta,” he continued. “That is because they are very strong, especially at home.

“We stuck to the game plan throughout. Now we can enjoy our holidays in order to prepare as well as we can for Roma.”

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente shares Trez mentality

Jan 4, 2014

Fernando Llorente is impressed with Roma and tells fans he has “the same mentality as David Trezeguet.”

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“The Giallorossi had a sensational start to the season and their form made it a bit difficult for us, but then we emerged and proved our great solidity,” Llorente told Sky Sport Italia.

“We want to put in a super performance against Roma. And that is exactly what we’ll do.”

Former Juve legend Trezeguet will be at the stadium to salute fans before kick-off tomorrow evening.

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“We are certainly different players, but I have the same mentality as Trezeguet. We try to do our best by helping the team to win the League.

“David is a player who made history, whereas I have just arrived and still need to do so much in order to get his results.”

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The Bianconeri’s campaign suffered a heavy blow with surprise Champions League elimination, but can be motivated by the fact the Europa League Final is at the Juventus Stadium in May.

“Juve can win the Europa League. It might not be at the same level as the Champions League, but I have experienced it and can say it’s not remotely easy. I want to win everything with Juve and am helping the team to achieve that.”

[Socrates 7998]

Del Bosque to consider Llorente

Jan 27, 2014

Fernando Llorente’s form for Juventus reportedly has him back in contention for a spot in the Spain squad.

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The striker had lost a regular place within Vicente del Bosque’s set-up after a forgettable final year with Athletic Bilbao, predominantly spent on the bench.

However, on from growing form midway through his first season with the Old Lady in Serie A, the 28-year-old is seen back in Spain as attracting Del Bosque’s attention once more.

“I do not know if this period is that of the best Llorente ever, but it is certainly one of the best,” Llorente mused at the weekend.

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“Against Lazio we wanted to win, but we showed character to comeback, even as we were outnumbered.

“I’m glad I have helped with my goals. And of course I would like to score every weekend from here to the end. But the key aspect is to keep working.

“My secret? Training, coupled with the fact that I can rest and eat well.”

[Socrates 7998]

Klose: Tevez, Llorente have to go

Jan 27, 2014

Miroslav Klose has asserted his belief that Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente both ‘deserve’ and ‘have to go’ to the World Cup this summer.

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Both in their first season in Turin, the two Juventus strikers have attracted respective debate over possible returns to their national sides.

Whilst Llorente is seen as having re-attracted the attentions of Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, Tevez’s poor relationship with Alejandro Sabella sees hopes with Argentina look unlikely.

Considering the prospect of heading out to Brazil and not seeing either striker there with him, Lazio’s leading forward made clear his opinion.

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“A World Cup without Tevez and Llorente would be less spectacular,” Klose told reporters over the weekend.

“The two Juventini are great strikers, they both deserve to go to Brazil.”

Klose faced the duo in Week 21’s 1-1 draw between Lazio and Juve, with Llorente equalising for the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente: Osvaldo is welcome

Jan 31, 2014

Fernando Llorente has mused that Dani Osvaldo is welcome at Juventus, whilst he hopes ‘everything will be resolved’ with Mirko Vucinic.

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The Spaniard is in line for extra competition in attack from the weekend, with the Bianconeri closing in on a deal with Southampton for Osvaldo.

For the former Athletic Bilbao man, though, it is not an issue to welcome in the former Roma forward.

“At Juve, champions are welcome, the competition helps everyone to do better,” Llorente has enthused to reporters.

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“I really like him a lot, he is a great player. I met him when he was playing in Spain for Espanyol, we also spoke a little.”

Osvaldo’s arrival may come in spite of Mirko Vucinic apparently turning down the change to leave the Bianconeri, even after a failed move to Inter.

“For him these have been difficult days, I hope that everything will be resolved in the best way for him and for the club.

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“The dressing room is relaxed, between the players we have not spoken about these events. We are just thinking of work, the rest is for the club to think about.”

Juve face Inter on Sunday evening in the Derby d’Italia.

“I have been told about Inter and the Derby d’Italia, I know that it is a special challenge with great feeling from both teams.

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“We are working to put in a great performance and we want to win. It is crucial to return to winning after Roma and Lazio.

“I have a great desire to take to the field, for me it will be the first time against the Nerazzurri.

“Roma? We know they are a great team, they did very well early in the season, they are now demonstrating their strength, and we cannot relax at all.

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“Personal goals? You can always improve, for me it would be important to continue to score with continuity.

“Capocannoniere perhaps? Now I just want to help my team to win, everything else will follow on from that.

“At a physical level we are working well, I have reached a good level, I am satisfied.”

[Socrates 7998]

Study: Llorente worth €37m

Feb 6, 2014

According to a Spanish study, Juventus free transfer Fernando Llorente is now worth €37m.

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The striker arrived in July as a free agent after his contract with Athletic Bilbao had expired.

Despite a difficult start to life in Serie A, he has now flourished with nine goals in 19 Serie A games and two in five Champions League appearances.

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Now Spanish site Futbol Finanzas has performed an evaluation of the player’s transfer value, putting a tag of €37m on the 28-year-old.

That would give a huge boost to Juve’s financial records when listing their assets.

[Socrates 7998]

I see Tevez more than my girlfriend - Llorente

The Spain striker has revealed the strength of his friendship with his team-mate
and believes it is helping their on-field partnership.

Feb 22, 2014

Fernando Llorente says he spends more time with Juventus team-mate Carlos Tevez than his own girlfriend after striking up a firm friendship with the Argentine.

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Both players joined the Bianconeri last summer, from Athletic Bilbao and Manchester City respectively and have slowly begun to form a potent on-field partnership in Turin.

Their understanding on the pitch has been aided by a blossoming bond between the pair and Llorente admits although they are very different, they could not get on better.

The 28-year-old told Tuttosport: "We are both very different, but perhaps you need this to form a beautiful partnership. He is more aggressive than me, moves more, is smaller, you can see his desire to impress and score goals.

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"Off the field me and Tevez hang out a lot. We both are very family orientated, he has his wife and children, I have my girlfriend and parents when they come and see me.

"The fact remains that between training sessions I spend more time with Tevez than I do my own girlfriend."

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Together, the two strikers have helped fire Juventus to a nine-point lead at the top of Serie A, with Llorente on 12 goals and Tevez 14 - as the Spaniard eyes clinching silverware in his maiden season at the club.

"Our goal is to help the team win the championship and the Europa League. It's very difficult but we have to play every game as if it's our last."

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente holds World Cup hope

Feb 27, 2014

Fernando Llorente has revealed his ambition to face his Juventus teammates next week for Spain, and to make La Roja’s World Cup squad.

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The recently-turned 29-year-old has enjoyed improved form with the Bianconeri, since losing his regular spot under Vicente del Bosque after a difficult final season last term with Athletic Bilbao.

With the world and double European champions set to name their squad to face Italy next week and with the World Cup in sight, Llorente’s goal return in Serie A has him with improved hopes of a return.

“Spain have great strikers. It is going to be a long season, the goals scored will make a difference in Vicente del Bosque’s decision,” the forward has reflected this week to Marca.

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“The forwards for Spain are at a very high level, I will see if I can be there at Brazil.

“I would love to be there for the friendly against Italy, because half the players in the Italy team are with me at Juventus and it would be interesting to compare myself against my teammates.”

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Jese Rodriguez is emerging as a late candidate to take a place in La Roja’s World Cup squad for his form at Real Madrid.

“He is doing really well with Real Madrid…”

[Socrates 7998]

Del Bosque: Italy a great test

Feb 28, 2014

Vicente del Bosque believes Italy will be Spain’s final great test before the World Cup, as he explains Fernando Llorente’s omission.

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The veteran Coach has named his squad today to face the Azzurri in an international friendly next Wednesday at the Vicente Calderon.

“They are one of the greatest teams in the world,” explained Del Bosque to reporters today.

“They are based around the Juventus team and we have faced some very strong clashes, such as the first meeting at Euro 2012, and the semi-final of the Confederations Cup, that second one included the agony of extra-time, when they were as strong as us.

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“And then there was the final of Euro 2012, which is probably our best game of recent years.

“Yes, this is probably the last great test before the World Cup, but the big test will be with all the Spanish in competition up until May 25 when we have to draw our squad.”

Del Bosque was asked on his squad selection, which has notably seen Diego Costa handed a first call-up and Fernando Llorente miss out.

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“That he is not here is a unfortunate. He is a guy that we have much appreciation for, as with many others, but there is great competition.

“The important thing is that he has moved on from what he experienced at Athletic, he is playing, is well regarded and is happy.

“Diego Costa is a unique case because he has never been here and for him having been born in Brazil. But he is a player who has come here on the merits of his club form and we have considered that he can help. So we have called him up, nothing more.

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“I want to correct you as there are more than just a couple of important players left out. But this list is just for Italy.

“There is time, over three months before the World Cup, and a lot can happen to ratify those that are here or to consider others. We are not determining anything.

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“Only two recognised strikers selected here? We are trying to select the best, but we have to have balanced, not all are midfielders.

“Isco, Illarramendi, Bruno…they are having fantastic seasons and are all left out. We cannot bring everyone, we have to also pick defenders and attackers.”

[Socrates 7998]

Del Bosque: Hard to include all

Mar 4, 2014

Vicente del Bosque says that whilst Borja Valero, Jose Callejon and Fernando Llorente have impressed in Serie A, he is struggling for space in Spain.

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The in form trio all missed out on a spot in Del Bosque’s latest squad for Wednesday evening’s friendly in Madrid against Italy.

Talking to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the 63-year-old Champions League, World Cup and European Championship winner looked to explain why.

“Today those who are not aware of what is happening abroad do not watch television,” began Del Bosque in response.

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“I know Borja perfectly, and since he was a kid. I have watched Fiorentina often recently and he has previously been called up with us.

“But the competition in midfield is tremendous. It is impossible to call up everyone.

“Callejon? He is doing very well, clearly he has the chance to be called up. This list is not definitive, it is only valid for the match with Italy.

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“But, I repeat, we have serious problems to fit into the squad the many excellent pieces that we have.

“Is Llorente the most obvious absence? Yes, but someone from Chelsea may be wondering why Fernando Torres isn’t here, or from Tottenham on why Roberto Soldado isn’t, or from Atletico Madrid about David Villa.

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“It is not easy. For Fernando, it is important that he has moved on from what he experienced last year in Bilbao, that he now plays with continuity and is in contention at Juventus.

“He is happy, the club also, so it is good. And he knows that we appreciate him very much, that he is not called up is one thing that bothers us.”

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente accepts Del Bosque decision

Mar 4, 2014

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has accepted Vicente Del Bosque’s decision not to call him up to the Spanish national squad.

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The 29-year-old will miss the friendly with Italy but is on course to win more trophies with his club side this season.

“I need to accept Del Bosque’s decision,” Llorente said to Cadena Cope.

“I would have liked to have been in the squad but Diego Costa is having an incredible season.

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“It would be a shame not to go to the World Cup but there is still a long time before the next squad is named.

“I will do my best.

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“Juventus are having a good period. We have a great chance to win the League but we can’t relax yet.

“In Italy everyone wants to win but at home we are very strong.”

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente: I do not have a problem with Diego Costa

The striker has dismissed reports that he has been upset by the prospect of missing out
on the World Cup because of the Brazil-born forward's decision to declare for la Roja.

Mar 5, 2014

Juventus attacker Fernando Llorente has insisted that he does not have any problems with either Spain coach Vicente del Bosque or Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.

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The former Athletic Bilbao forward has been left out of the squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Italy but has dismissed suggestions that he's unhappy with the Brazil-born striker's inclusion.

"I need to accept Del Bosque's decision," Llorente told Cadena Cope. "I would have liked to have been in the squad but Diego Costa is having an incredible season."

The 29-year-old then went on to stress that he has not given up hope of fighting his way back into the Spain squad ahead of this summer's showpiece event.

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"It would be a shame not to go to the World Cup but there is still a long time before the next squad is named," he pointed out. "I will do my utmost to make the team again."

Llorente has been in fine form for Juventus this season, scoring 11 goals in 23 Serie A appearances.

[Socrates 7998]

Del Bosque: Llorente great but…

Mar 6, 2014

Vicente del Bosque admits Spain better controlled the play against Italy yesterday, as he reflects once more on Fernando Llorente’s international prospects.

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La Roja defeated the Azzurri 1-0 on Wednesday evening in a game that Cesare Prandelli complained had his players physically below par.

“In a period in which there is an intense schedule, it is not easy to play,” offered Del Bosque post-match.

“I did not see a big difference with Italy, we can say that we had more speed in the movement of the ball. Compared to the other times against the Azzurri, we controlled the game better.”

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Del Bosque was asked once more of the chances of any changes to his squad ahead of the World Cup, namely with the potential re-introduction of Juventus forward Fernando Llorente.

“He is a great player, but we cannot call up everyone. There remains three months until the World Cup, there is time to do all the evaluations and we will see.

“There could be some changes. We can’t really say anything specific just yet because we’ve got three months ahead of us.”

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente admits to being frustrated by Fiorentina draw

Mar 15, 2014

Juventus forward Fernando Llorente has admitted he is frustrated by the Bianconeri’s recent draw against Fiorentina in the Europa League.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri took an early lead through Arturo Vidal but wasted a number of opportunities to take command of the tie before substitute Mario Gomez equalised late on for the visitors to give the Viola a crucial away goal and the upper hand before the second leg.

“It is a shame about the result, especially because of the effort we put into the game, but we still have everything to play for,” Llorente stated through his Twitter account.

AMAZONIAN

The second leg will take place at the Stadio Artemio Franchi next Thursday as both sides seek to qualify for the quarter final of the competition.

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente: Juventus must ignore Roma's results

The Spaniard says that the Bianconeri should only concern themselves with their own form
and admitted that Antonio Conte was right to drop him for last week's trip to Lyon.

Apr 8, 2014

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has urged his team-mates to focus on their own performances rather than look at second-placed Roma's results as they aim to wrap up their third successive Serie A title as soon as possible.

The reigning champions beat Livorno 2-0 on Monday evening courtesy of a Llorente double to restore their eight-point lead over the Giallorossi and the Spanish forward is confident that Antonio Conte's men will hold onto top spot as long as they ignore what their Scudetto rivals are doing.

"We mustn’t look at Roma; instead we should concentrate on ourselves," Llorente told the official Juventus website.

"We won’t have any problems if we play as we know how."

Llorente returned to the starting XI after being benched for the Europa League match against Olympique Lyonnais last week and he claimed that his two-goal haul proved that coach Antonio Conte made the right call.

"The rest has done me good; I feel strong again," he enthused. "I was a bit tired in recent games and not as good as usual.

"But that’s normal. It happens when you have so many fixtures to play."

The 29-year-old has now netted 13 goals in 29 Serie A appearances so far this term.

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente: Juventus will play Spanish team in final

Apr 11, 2014

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente was in high spirits immediately after the announcement that the Bianconeri would meet Benfica in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

With Sevilla and Valencia making up the remaining four hopefuls for this seasons competition the Spanish international admitted that he would have liked to have returned to his homeland with the Old Lady.

“I just saw the draw. I would like to play in Spain, but we will play the final against a Spanish team. Forza Juve!,” Llorente wrote on Twitter.

The 29-year-old left Athletic Bilbao during the summer for Turin and has formed an impressive partnership with fellow new signing Carlos Tevez and has contributed 15 goals in his 36 appearances in all competitions this term.

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente & Tevez not giving up on World Cup dream

The former Athletic Bilbao striker has fallen out of favour with Spain coach
Vicente del Bosque, while his Argentine colleague has never been picked by Alejandro Sabella.

Apr 16, 2014

Fernando Llorente has revealed that he and Juventus team-mate Carlos Tevez have not yet given up hope on playing in this summer's World Cup.

After a slow start to life in Italy, the Spaniard has enjoyed a stellar debut season in Serie A, netting 14 times in total as well as forming a formidable partnership with his Argentine accomplice, who has 18 goals to his name.

Tevez, though, has not featured for his country since Alejandro Sabella took over in 2011, while Llorente has fallen out of favour with Spain boss Vicente del Bosque.

However, Llorente says that both he and Tevez are still dreaming of travelling to Brazil with their respective nations.

"The Italian championship is difficult and competitive, and we're hoping to be able to go to the World Cup," the former Athletic Bilbao hitman told Sky Sport Italia.

"It's difficult but we're doing well with Juve and if everything goes well, maybe we'll be rewarded [at international level].

"Is this the most beautiful year of my life? I don't know but I'm having a great season."

Llorente and Tevez's goals have put Juve within touching distance of a third successive Serie A title triumph, but even though Antonio Conte's men are eight points above second-placed Roma with just five games to go, he is taking nothing for granted.

"We're in a privileged position in terms of the Scudetto but nothing is won yet," he warned.

"We're still three games away from mathematical victory, but we're hoping to reach that goal as quickly as possible."

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente: Tevez and I deserve Brazil

Apr 16, 2014

Juventus forward Fernando Llorente believes both himself and Carlos Tevez deserve to be going to the World Cup this summer.

The duo have been in fine form for the Old Lady this season but both could well miss out on being named in their respective countries’ squads.

“How is it possible that Tevez and I won’t play at the World Cup?” Llorente said to Sky. “The Italian League is difficult and competitive and we are hoping we can go to the World Cup.

“It will be difficult but we are doing well with Juve. Let’s see.

“If everything goes well maybe we will have something to celebrate.”

The Spaniard then commented on his side’s charge for the Scudetto.

“We are in a great situation but it’s still not won. There are still three matches left for us to win it mathematically, but we hope to do it as soon as possible.

“Is it the best year of my life? I don’t know but I’m having a great season.”

[Socrates 7998]

How Fernando Llorente Has Helped Juventus and Himself

Apr 17, 2014

Antonio Conte could have rushed this new signing, another Juventus forward. Instead he waited for Fernando Llorente to catch up. Conte was, after all, the man who wanted the Spaniard in the first place.

But Conte would not loosen the leash. He told beIN Sports (h/t goal.com) in October that he had asked Llorente to be patient, to assimilate, to learn the system and embrace his new surroundings.

And now Llorente is paying him back.

The Spanish forward has scored 16 goals in all competitions, none of them penalties and half of them headers. He and Carlos Tevez have scored 32 goals in Serie A—already more than Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet managed in the 2005-06 season and close to the 40 goals scored between John Charles and Omar Sivori in 1957-58:

David Amoyal @DavidAmoyal
In Juve's history only Del Piero/Trezeguet in 2005/06 (29) & Charles Sivori (40) in 1957/58 scored more than Tevez/Llorente (26) via Gds

It is not just the goals. Llorente uses his big frame and moves particularly well for such a tall player. There are times when he simply holds up the ball, playing patiently, slipping a pass through defenders. He isn’t afraid to do the little flicks, to backpedal and lay off the ball to an incoming teammate.

Against Livorno, Llorente received the ball in the box while he was holding off a defender. He needed just a single touch to nudge the ball away; then he took a step and launched the shot into the top corner. And at other times he picks up the garbage, the loose ball inside the box. He is clearheaded while the rest scramble.

His confidence only grew, but still: Everything was different. The workload was heavy. Llorente had spent the last year on the sidelines at Athletic Bilbao after announcing his intention to leave. He was shackled, and now he was free. He changed countries and cities for the first time in years. He had to learn a new language. Juventus were a world away from the one he knew.

He was 11 the last time he made such a big move. He was born in the province of La Rioja, in the northwest of Spain, in a village that did not have any playground equipment. It was football, and that’s it.

The people from Athletic Bilbao scouted the blond buck, who only knew his family and the town, Rincón de Soto. They took him to play with the reserves, and Llorente would take the bus to train, as it says on LaRioja.com.

The travel was too much, according to the Spanish newspaper AS, and he would have to move permanently to the Basque country. This was particularly hard on his mother, missing the childhood of her son, but the parents accepted Athletic’s offer anyway. They wanted him to have the best life possible.

But it wasn’t easy for Llorente. He said in an interview with the club’s official magazine that he cried every night away from his parents. He would see them on weekends, but it wasn’t enough. He was living with family friends in Bilbao, and he was studying and playing the game he knew best, as it says on AS.

Llorente told Canal Plus that he could’ve been a bullfighter, or he could’ve been a singer. He even played the clarinet. But this was his dream. Some said he was the new Ibrahimovic. Llorente was the tallest on his team as a kid. He scored goals against the older boys, even if he was the one who looked oldest.

You can see him playing on cement, a giant among on children, running around all of them. He is like that now at 29 years old, standing 6’4’’ and scoring headers.

He played for seven years with the senior team from Bilbao, and he struggled with injuries during the first two. The fans eventually called him the Lion King. He scored 29 goals in all competitions during the 2011-12 season, already a top scorer.

So it took time to adapt to Italy and Juventus, just like it did in Bilbao. That first game in 2005 was noisy, he told the magazine. He was a silent kid, introverted. He felt the change; he could hear it.

In Torino it was no different. Llorente told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in November (h/t FourFourTwo) that he had some doubts—especially during the pre-season.

"At one point in the United States, I felt empty, completely drained," Llorente told the newspaper. "And if the body does not work, also the head starts to sweat."

Llorente rarely played in any of the first five games of the season, but he slowly earned more playing time. “He's trying to get into our system,” Conte told reporters in August. “There ought to be respect and not just criticizing someone to create controversy.” Conte protected him, gave him a place of shelter, a new home, just like all those years ago.

Llorente still goes a few games in succession without scoring, but he told Sky (h/t Football Italia) that he’s “having a great season.” He wouldn’t call it the best year of his life, but he did ask a valid question: "How is it possible that Tevez and I won’t play at the World Cup?"

At the start of the year he was asking questions about himself; now he is asking about Brazil. Remember that Juventus signed the player for absolutely nothing, but he is worth so much more.

[Socrates 7998]

Llorente unworried about missing WC

Apr 18, 2014

Fernando Llorente believes his likely exclusion from Spain's World Cup squad could be a blessing in disguise -- for himself and Juventus.

Llorente, 29, took a while to settle in at Juve following his arrival from Athletic Bilbao last summer and was at one time being linked with a return to Spain after only six months.

However, he has since gone on to become a key fixture in Antonio Conte’s side and has scored 14 goals in 30 Serie A games.

"That was the hardest part [settling in], when we were on preseason in the U.S. and we didn't yet have the right understanding and there was a lot of criticism," Llorente told Tuttosport.

With the likes of Diego Costa and Alvaro Negredo seemingly ahead of Llorente in the pecking order for a place in Vicente del Bosque’s Spain squad, the Juve striker looks likely to miss out on a spot at the World Cup.

However, should that prove to be the case, Llorente feels the opportunity of a full preseason could only help in view of the 2014-15 campaign.

"I'm not thinking about the World Cup anymore," he said. "The fact that Tevez and I are not going to be playing in it could be beneficial to Juventus."