Fernando Llorente 'hurt' by Athletic Bilbao fans' criticism

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has admitted that he is hurt by criticism from fans regarding his future at the club.

The Spanish international, who has been linked with moves to some of Europe's biggest sides, scored on his return to the Bilbao team on Sunday in a 3-3 draw at Espanyol.

"It hurts that people have turned against me. It hurts that they doubt me, I've always given everything for Athletic," Llorente told radio station Cadena SER.

"Even if at some point in my career I don't play with Athletic, it will always be my team. It's personal. The club have given me everything, it's where I grew up from the time I was a boy.

"If for whatever reason I leave here, nobody should be annoyed with me. It's a personal decision that people should respect."

Llorente scored 30 goals in all competitions last season as Los Leones finished 10th in La Liga and runners-up in the Europa League.