Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente has admitted he is happy at the club, despite the prospect of limited playing time in the upcoming campaign.
The Spanish targetman was signed by Spurs last summer in a move that most fans thought was shrewd business by the London club.
However, Llorente has struggled to settle at Tottenham, with the veteran not making an impact due to a lack of regular football.
Despite this, the former Swansea City attacker has stated he is happy at Spurs and will look to have a more positive campaign in 2018-19.
“I feel very good here and I would like to help the team more than last year and try to score more goals,” ESPN quote Tottenham man Llorente as saying.
“It’s not easy [for me] but I know the situation. Harry is an unbelievable player and he wants to play and always score two or three. It’s good for the team and I only have to be ready when my opportunity comes.
“If they signed me last year it’s because they wanted someone like me, no?
“Last year I started with my arm broken and it was difficult for me. When I don’t play games, it’s difficult to be fit.
“During the season, normally at other clubs I’m playing and it’s easy for me to be fit every week. But the situation here is different so I have to change my mindset, stay strong and keep working because I think I can help the team at important moments in the season. I feel very good.”
In reality, Llorente can expect limited opportunities again next season, with the likes of Son Heung-min also able to play as Tottenham’s striker should Harry Kane be rested or unavailable.
The Spaniard is an excellent Plan B given his aerial prowess and stature, but Mauricio Pochettino often appears reluctant to throw the targetman on if Spurs are chasing a goal.
This is mostly likely due to the Tottenham manager’s insistence on expansive football rather than a direct approach, but Llorente still can be of some value to the club.
Being back-up to Kane is a tough gig, regardless of who fulfils the role – Llorente simply needs to convert the chances he gets when he does play to win the fans over in 2018-19.