Former Athletic Bilbao president Jose Maria Arrate has spoken out on Fernando Llorente’s decision to not extend his contract.
The Basque club recently revealed that the 27 year-old Spain international has no intention of renewing his current deal, which will expire at the end of the 2012-2013 season.
Bilbao must now decide whether to sell the striker before the end of the transfer window, or face losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
“The player’s position is of someone who wants nothing to do with Athletic”, said Arrate. “You can see that he has not learned anything about the club whilst he has been with Bilbao.
“I am disappointed. I thought he was going to realise what the club has done for him.”
Llorente was whistled by some Basque fans after coming on as a substitute in Thursday’s 3-1 victory over SK Slaven, in the first leg of a third round Europa League qualifier.