A 'difficult' decision but the right one says Leeds United's £18m signing Diego Llorente on move from Real Sociedad

The defender has left Spain for the first time in his career at the age of 27 to join Marcelo Bielsa's Whites in an £18m move from Real Sociedad.

Last night he posted an emotional farewell message to the fans he was leaving behind and today he signed a four-year contract at Elland Road.

A lot of thought went into the decision to up sticks and leave his native land, for whom he has earned five international caps, but he's convinced it's the right move.

"For me this step is very important," he told BBC Leeds.

"I am doing the right thing.

"For my family and I it was a difficult decision to come to another country. I am hopeful I am taking the best decision of my football career, it's important."

Llorente is no different to any of Leeds' summer signings in liking the idea of playing for and training under Marcelo Bielsa at Thorp Arch.

He expects the Argentine to help him develop his game further as a ball-playing centre-half.

"I hope to help my team-mates and to improve my football," he said.

"I want to learn from the coach. The coach has been an important factor in coming here. I can learn much from him and improve my football. It's an honour for me, training and playing for Marcelo. I think we can have a great season. I will do the best I can."

Llorente, who insists he's ready to play if called upon ahead of Leeds' trip to Sheffield United on Sunday, becomes the fourth Spanish international in Bielsa's squad.

He joins the once-capped Kiko Casilla, current Spanish international team-mate Rodrigo and four-times capped Pablo Hernandez. The latter played a part in helping Llorente to make his mind up about Leeds and Rodrigo's presence was another box ticked.

"I talked with Pablo a few days ago," he said.

"He told me about the city, the team. It was an important factor also for me, this conversation.

"Rodrigo and I have played together in the national team. He's a very good player. I think he can bring a lot to the team. I'm very happy he's here with me."