Llorente: The situation isn’t easy

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has used social networking to thanks fans for their support.

The striker nicknamed 'The Lion King' has been used as a substitute by Athletic this season after trying to engineer a move away from the club in the summer, Coach Marcelo Bielsa preferring Aritz Aduriz.

Taking to his official page for the first time in months to promote a boot he has designed, the 27-year-old forward expressed his gratitude to supporters.

“Good morning everyone,” read the post. “Thank you for your support and forgive my absence. The situation is not easy.”