Fernando Llorente says that the No 9 position for Spain is particularly competitive and that the fight for a World Cup place ‘will be long’.
The Juventus striker is back in the squad for only the second time in the last 15 months, as a late replacement for the injured Diego Costa.
With one eye on next summer, the 28-year-old is looking to make the most of his chance against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
“It is a difficult position to get into in the national team. All the positions are, but in particular up front it is. It will be a long fight,” considered Llorente to reporters today.
“There are six or seven months before the World Cup and we will all give our maximum. Hopefully everyone achieves their objective.
“I have not followed the controversy over Diego Costa’s eligibility too closely. He is a great player, who has spent many years in Spain and has decided to play with the national team.
“I think he can contribute a lot and I am sure that the Coach is happy to have him.
“Being in the team forces you to give your maximum. It is hard to come here because we have many great players and in every game you have to give it your best.
“My goals recently against Real Madrid? Strikers live on goals and it is likely that having scored in recent games has brought me here again.”
La Roja will return to the scene of their World Cup success next week when they play at Soccer City.
“We return to a country that gave us so much. We were treated in an incredible way, we got everything and experienced a wonderful time.
“We are very grateful. I think it is good to be back and I hope we play a great game to thank them.”
