Fernando Llorente says that he has put his contract situation with Athletic Bilbao out of his mind in an effort to focus on playing well.
The striker has faced speculation throughout the previous months after his refusal to renew his contract beyond June 2013, his club’s refusal to sell him below his buyout clause and Marcelo Bielsa’s reluctance to play him in the team.
However, from now until the end of the season the only focus is football, says the 27-year-old.
“My only future now is to continue with Athletic and give everything whilst I am here. I am not thinking further and otherwise I do not care,” the striker told reporters after his side’s 1-1 draw with Deportivo on Sunday.
“Much has changed. Last season, I was playing a lot of games, I was happy, with confidence and that allowed me to reach my full potential.
“Currently, the fact I am not playing with much continuity may be why I am lacking the confidence in front of goal. You can call it bad luck, but perhaps with more confidence one of my chances [on Sunday] might have entered the goal.”
Llorente was speaking after a first League start of the season.
“Things have happened that should not have been given the importance they have been given. I have to forget what has happened and just keep working. I am not thinking of anything outside of playing, I am focused on nothing else.
“I will help the team as much as possible. Hopefully I can get a few goals by the end, the more the merrier, and thereby leave the team as high in the table.”
