Diego Llorente issues poignant message to Leeds United's fans after completing first season in English football

Spanish international centre-back Llorente joined Leeds from Real Sociedad last September but the defender's initial progress was heavily disrupted by injury.

Llorente, though, was able to end the season in style and started 13 consecutive games before being left out of Sunday's season finale at home to West Brom as a precaution ahead of this summer's Euros.

The 27-year-old had been substituted at the interval of the previous midweek clash at Southampton having felt a muscular issue and Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa did not want to risk further injury by playing the defender against the Baggies.

Llorente was then named in boss Luis Enrique's Spain squad for the Euros on Monday morning.

The 'Euro 2020' tournament is taking place one year later than initially planned due to the global fight against coronavirus which has meant Llorente's first season in England being played in front of empty stands.

Taking to his Instagram page at the weekend, Llorente wrote: "A season of change and adaptation is ending for me.

"New country, new language, new club.

"The beginnings of something great are always difficult but with work and effort the collective and individual results appear.

"I’m very happy to be part of this great club.

"Thanks to all of you who have been with us despite the circumstances. MOT."

Reflecting on his call up to the Spain squad for the Euros, Llorente posted: "There are many sensations right now.

"From the happiness for the call to the pride for defending my country, the responsibility for belonging to this group and the satisfaction for the reward for so much work.

"But above all I am grateful to all of you who support and trust me every day.

"It's for you, Nina."

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https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-academy-product-joins-stuart-dallas-in-northern-ireland-squad-for-malta-and-ukraine-matches-3250446

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Thank you Laura Collins