Fernando Llorente reveals Swansea's relegation fight made it too 'difficult' to secure Chelsea January switch

Llorente in action for Swansea against Manchester City
AFP/Getty Images
James Benge6 February 2017

Fernando Llorente has insisted he bears no grudge against Swansea after he failed to secure a January switch to league leaders Chelsea.

Blues boss Antonio Conte was keen to reunite with Llorente, whom he signed for Juventus in 2013, during the transfer window and envisaged him providing cover for first-choice striker Diego Costa with summer signing Michy Batshuayi struggling to live up to expectations.

Paris St Germain were also keen on Llorente but Swansea were reluctant with their joint-top scorer this season as they battle to retain their Premier League status.

Speaking after his side’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City the 31-year-old said he understood why he could not secure a move away from the Liberty Stadium mid-season.

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“I already know Conte from Juventus,” Llorente told reporters. “But it's difficult in the winter when there's a way out from a side you're playing for and it's normal that they didn't go ahead with the deal.

“I'm very focused on the team and am looking forward to helping save us from relegation.”

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