Last Updated: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:41
Fernando Llorente's relationship with Athletic Bilbao seems to have broken down after he refused to speak to the press on Monday.
The Spain striker had already become distanced from the club's management after refusing to sign a new deal beyond his current contact which expires in June 2013.
That means he is free to talk to other clubs in January and it may well be that they lose him for nothing at the end of the campaign.
In turn, the 27-year-old has been angered by the club's refusal to allow him to leave for below his buy-out figure, with coach Marcelo Bielsa also giving him just minimal playing time this term.
It seems inevitable that he will leave next summer or even in January but, while still a Bilbao player, he is expected to fulfil his duties for the club.
However, the Pamplona-born star has refused to face the press alongside team-mate Jon Aurtenetxe, with the club revealing the situation via a statement.
"We communicate that besides Aurtenetxe, Fernando Llorente should be appearing, but Llorente has refused to do so," the statement read. "There will be no other players appearing, after Fernando Llorente's refusal to appear before the media."
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
