‘Wanted to continue’ – Llorente lifts the lid on Leeds United exit
In an interview with Radio Radio and then transcribed by Siamo La Roma, Leeds United defender Diego Llorente admits he wanted to continue at AS Roma rather than return to Elland Road this summer. The Spanish defender joined the club on loan in January and he hoped the move would be made permanent.
However a move to the Italian capital dragged out and all three parties could not reach an agreement. Instead Jose Mourinho’s side would loan the defender on a season-long loan earlier this summer.
Llorente said: “Yes, there were three parties involved. Roma, Leeds and me. I wanted to continue here. A definitive agreement was not found, but I’m not worried about that because my desire was to return here.”
Fellow Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen has also joined Roma and Llorente feels he’ll improve the squad. The centre-back said: “He’s a very complete player, who can give a lot defensively and offensively. I’m sure he’ll help us a lot. He has character, a good physique. I think he’s a great acquisition who will come in handy.”
Leeds United’s pre-season stand-out performers as Ethan Ampadu makes impression and Archie Gray shines
Leeds United brought the curtain down on their pre-season campaign on Sunday afternoon as they saw off Hearts at Tynecastle. It wasn’t a perfect performance from Daniel Farke’s side but they were dominant and they cruised to a 1-0 win with a week to go until Sunday’s opener against Cardiff City.
The Whites started pre-season with two defeats as they lost 2-0 to both Manchester United and Monaco. But, they showcased their progress in Burton to see off Premier League Nottingham Forest at the Pirelli Stadium in what was a heartening and morale boosting performance, before travelling to Edinburgh.
