Fernando Llorente says joining Sevilla was always his first choice despite Premier League links

Former Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has claimed that moving to Sevilla was always his "first choice", despite having linked with a number of Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window. The Spanish international striker agreed his move to the Europe League winners earlier this week on a free-transfer after the Serie A giants cancel his contract.

Llorente has been linked with a number of European clubs during the summer after Juventus decided to bolster their attack with the signings of both Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala. Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport reported last month that his agent was in London to meet with Arsenal official ahead a potential move to the Emirates Stadium – having already been linked with a move to the North London in the summer 2013 when he instead joined the Serie A from Athletic Bilbao.

The Mirror, meanwhile, claimed that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was also monitoring the situation, following the departure of both Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao during the summer transfer window.

Llorente himself has now admitted he had received a few offers during the summer but opted to return to his homeland to play in a side that has grown a lot in recent years. Sevilla have qualified for the Champions League after they won the Europe League for their second time in a row last season.

"There were a few other offer but the Sevilla bid was always my first choice. It took a while to sort out everything with Juventus," Llorente said as quoted by Marca during his presentation at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan stadium where he was welcomed by around 10.000 Sevilla fans. "Everyone has been fantastic over the past few days. The welcome I've received by the city has been incredible and I'm determined to give my all for the new club."

"I've come to a club that is growing constantly and still has room to grow. I hope we have a great season ahead and it will be great to play in the Champions League. It won't be easy but we have a strong squad."