Llorente delighted with Juventus switch

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has spoken of his happiness with his start to life at the Italian club.

The Spaniard is currently taking part in pre-season with the reigning Serie A champions having completed a switch from Athletic Bilbao on July 1.

And he has hailed manager Antonio Conte as well as the club’s fans for their support as he prepares for his first season in Italy.

“Antonio Conte’s methods are excellent and I’m very happy to work alongside him,” he said.

“I’ve never seen anything like the welcome I got from the Juventus fans. They are magnificent. We are working hard at the moment, which is tough, but that’s the way it needs to be.

“I’m very happy right now, as it was a tough year in Bilbao, but now I am working to be in the best possible shape.”

The 28-year-old also discussed the potential of his partnership with fellow close-season arrival Carlos Tevez, and insisted Juve are targeting success both domestically and in Europe next term.

“I’m very happy to be playing alongside Tevez, but I get along with all the other strikers too. Our most important objective for this season is a third consecutive Scudetto,” he added.

“As for the Champions League, we need to take each game as it comes. We know that anything can happen, but I believe we have a very strong side.

“I chose Juventus because I think this is a great team and I know that I can improve here. Many sides have strengthened over the summer in Italy, but I’d say it is still too early to predict who our main rivals will be.

“I would say Serie A is on the same level as La Liga and the Premier League.”