‘This summer was hard’ – Tottenham signing makes admission after disappointing start

Wed 20 September 2017 13:35, UK

By Harvey Byrne

New Tottenham summer signing Fernando Llorente has admitted the summer was a hard one after missing pre-season with Swansea due to a broken arm.

The 32-year-old forward made the switch from Wales to north London on deadline day and he has since played three times for Spurs, including a start in Tuesday evening’s EFL Cup clash against Barnsley.

His matches for Tottenham have marked his first taste of football since May’s end of season clash between Swansea and West Brom and that has been apparent with a number of Spurs fans commenting on Tuesday evening that they had been disappointed by his opening displays.

But, Llorente, who has previously played for such clubs as Juventus, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao is also self-aware and he made the admission after Tuesday’s cup encounter that he still needs more time.

“It is my first game [start] of the season without preseason and now I have to continue to work a lot,” told Llorente, as quoted by ESPN.

“I need more time. This summer was hard because my arm meant a long stop. I have to work a lot. I don’t know how long. With minutes and confidence, I think every match will be better.”

Last season saw Llorente score a highly impressive 15 goals in 35 outings for Swansea and he has moved to Tottenham to provide an alternate option to star Harry Kane.