Fernando Llorente confirms Athletic Bilbao exit

Spanish international Fernando Llorente has revealed that he is to leave Athletic Bilbao when his current contract expires next summer.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire career with Bilbao, who have offered the striker a new deal.

However, Llorente believes that the time is right for him to embark on a fresh challenge.

"I am going to leave on June 30. I want to develop as a player and try something new," he said in a statement.

He then went on to insist that his decision has not been motivated by money, while also blaming the media for causing a rift between him and his current employers.

"It isn't about money because the offer the club made was irresistible," Llorente added. "The media have not helped with the negotiations and it is one of the things that has generated the bad atmosphere around me out on the pitch. This has encouraged me not to renew my contract; this and many other things.

"I took the decision when I went out for the first Europa League game at San Mames [in August].

"Most of what has come out in the press is lies and this has turned people against me. This has meant when I run out on to the pitch people whistle at me. There is a sector of the crowd who do not want me but I feel loved by the majority."

Llorente made his debut for Bilbao in January 2005.