Leeds United defender Diego Llorente has revealed that Victor Orta played a key role in persuading him to move to Elland Road, in an interview with Sky Sports.
Llorente joined Leeds from Real Sociedad last summer, and he says that he had plenty of offers from other clubs.
But as soon as he heard of interest from Leeds and Orta he had his heart set on a move to Elland Road.
“There were other offers before Leeds – last year as well – which were also interesting, but they didn’t totally appeal to me. The moment I met with Victor and he told me about the interest Leeds had in me, I didn’t have to think about it,” Llorente said.
“He told me about the project, that it was secure and strong, and about the way the team played, how my characteristics as a player could help, what I could bring to Leeds, and also what Leeds could give me to help me grow as a player.
“When a player sees that, he doesn’t have to think twice. And the playing style is more or less similar to what I was used to in Spain, so that was another motive to come here.”
Leeds took a while to see the best of Llorente, but he is starting to show his class now.
The Spanish international suffered badly with injury problems during his first few months with the club, but has started to show his worth in recent weeks.
Llorente’s ability in possession has really caught the eye and although there are areas of his game which still need to improve, it is clear to see why Leeds brought him to the club.
Llorente will next be in action for Marcelo Bielsa’s side on Friday evening, when they take on Fulham.
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