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Bilbao "Athletic" star Fernando Llorente has confirmed that he will not sign a new contract and will leave the Basque club next summer.
The striker has been linked with a possible move to another club for some time now, and at the beginning of this season, the Spaniard fell out with the team's coach, Marcelo Bielsa.
The 27-year-old footballer's contract with the team expires in June 2013, so when asked at a press conference if he will look for another team in the summer, Llorente replied: "Yes. It's not about money and I don't feel blackmailed by the club."
"Remembering my first matches at 'San Mames' stadium, it's difficult to make such a decision. The fans here love me, and my teammates support me," Llorente said.
Despite this statement, the striker expressed a desire to give his all for the team during the remaining part of the season and would like to play in the upcoming Europa League matches against Sparta Prague.
Llorente has been playing for "Athletic" since 2005. Over seven years with the club, the Spaniard has played 245 matches in the Spanish league and scored 81 goals.
