Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente has revealed that he would like to extend his stay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by another year.
The 34-year-old is out of contract in the summer, with it not yet clear if he will be offered a new deal at the club.
The Spain international joined Spurs from Swansea in 2017, but has found himself behind Harry Kane in the pecking order in North London. He has made just five Premier League starts this season, but has told Sky Sports that the role as a back-up striker is one that he is adapting to.
Vertonghen, Kane, Winks and Lamela - The latest Tottenham injury news and expected return dates
"It's something you have to adapt to," he said. "I am at a great club with incredible players, and in the end the manager has to make decisions, because only 11 players can play. It's not easy for him and, with players of that quality, it's not easy to get into the team.
"Internally, it's a struggle. Because in the end what all players want is to play every Sunday, so every time you don't, it's a disappointment. But that's also where you learn to be mentally strong and say, 'Okay, I'm not playing but I have to keep working hard every day and I have to be ready every when the opportunity comes and the míster needs me.'
"That is the idea I always have in my head, but it's also where it is most difficult, because the only way to really get up to speed is to play 90 minutes regularly. That's particularly the case for me because of my attributes as a striker. I need to feel strong and be in the best physical condition possible in order to show my best."
Llorente had options when leaving Swansea, most notably Chelsea, who were interested in taking the striker to Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard opted to join Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs, and has explained why he made that decision.
"At that time I had spent a lot of time talking with Chelsea but they didn't have an agreement with Swansea, whereas Tottenham came in and quickly found an agreement with them," he recalled. "That told me that Mauricio [Pochettino] and his team had a lot of belief in me, and when you are making a decision, that's very important.
"The project excited me, and despite having a secondary role in the team, it has definitely been worth it. It has been a wonderful experience.
The Manchester United transfer move that could have a huge impact on Toby Alderweireld and Spurs
"In the majority of my previous clubs I was a regular starter, but I have learnt to experience it in another way. Trophies and games are won by all the players, not just the 11 who start. If something happens during the season and the squad players don't keep fighting and don't keep believing that they can be important, then you are in trouble."
The former Swansea man has also outlined his hopes for the short-term future.
"I would love to stay for another year, but the truth is I am not thinking much about that right now. I believe the important thing at the moment is the team, not for individual players to think about themselves."
"We are playing super-important games every few days. We have a very, very difficult match against Bournemouth, who are very strong at home - they beat Chelsea 4-0 there, remember - then it's back to the Champions League. We have to be focused on the job. In a few weeks I'm sure there will be time to think about my future and see what's best for everyone."
Llorente will be hoping for a rare Premier League start when Spurs travel to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth in the penultimate game of the season on Saturday.
Latest Tottenham transfer rumours: Teen star desires Spurs move, two team battle for France ace
Keep up to date with the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service .
Text NEWS to 07776197989 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as spurs dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Alasdair Gold and the team on Spurs.
Your phone number won't be shared with any other members of the group. Click here for more information on the service.
