World Cup Swans: Fernando Llorente
As the 2018 World Cup draws closer, the official website takes a look back at the players who have turned out for the Swans and played on the biggest stage of all.
Today we focus on Fernando Llorente.
Fernando Llorente is one of just two World Cup winners who have played for Swansea City.
The Spaniard has played in four different countries during a successful career that has also seen him win two league titles, the Europa League and a European Championship.
He began his career in his homeland with Athletic Bilbao, where he scored more than 100 goals in eight years before moving on to Juventus in 2013.
The 6ft 4in striker left for Sevilla two years later before the Swans came calling in August 2016.
Llorente made a significant impact during his 12 months in South Wales before departing for Tottenham Hotspur last August.
He has 24 caps and seven goals for Spain.
AT THE SWANS
Pamplona-born Llorente joined the Swans from Sevilla for an undisclosed fee in August 2016.
He took a little while to settle into Premier League football, but began to find his feet after a thrilling, stoppage-time brace in the 5-4 victory over Crystal Palace in November.
He also scored twice in a 3-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield, as well as the late winner as the Swans beat Burnley by the same scoreline.
The Spaniard then hit a purple patch at just the right time, scoring in four of the last five games in 2016-17 to secure the Swans’ top-flight status.
Overall, he made 35 appearances in all competitions in SA1, scoring 15 goals.
AT THE WORLD CUP
After making his international debut in November 2008, Llorente was named in Vicente Del Bosque’s 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup.
He had enjoyed a prolific season at club level having scored 23 goals for Sevilla in all competitions.
However, chances with the national team were limited for Llorente, who found himself behind David Villa and Fernando Torres in the pecking order.
Nevertheless, he did make an appearance from the bench, replacing Torres in the 58th minute of the 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16.
Despite not featuring for the remainder of the tournament, Llorente received a winner’s medal as Spain beat the Netherlands in the final to get their hands on the World Cup trophy for the first time.
