Swansea City star Fernando Llorente has revealed he rejected a move to eventual Premier League champions Chelsea in order to help the Swans avoid relegation
The 32-year-old has been influential for the Welsh side this season as his 14 Premier League goals have helped the club avoid relegation
FERNANDO LLORENTE has revealed he turned down a move to Chelsea in January in order to help Swansea City avoid relegation.
The Spanish international has thrived in his debut season in the Premier League, with his goals proving vital in the Swans beating the drop.
Paul Clement's side ensured their safety in the top-flight for another season after Llorente netted in 2-0 win over Sunderland last week, and Hull City were battered 4-0 by Crystal Palace.
Llorente could have picked up a Premier League winners medal if he chose to link up with former manager Antonio Conte, but has stated leaving the Liberty Stadium was never a question.
He told the Daily Mail: "I know Chelsea wanted me in January.
"I said straight away that I wanted to stay here. We were fighting relegation, there was a cause. I could not go."
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However, the 32-year-old has opened the door for a summer switch if the Blues decide to reignite their interest in him.
He added: "If a big club comes in for me in the future, who knows because every player wants to play for a big club. But I am very, very happy here.
"'I have always wanted to play in the Premier League and I truly believe it is the best league in the world.
"It is an intense league and it has been a hard season because I am used to winning.
"But it is also very rewarding when you achieve in this intense situation that we had here."
Manchester City have also been linked with a move for the former Juventus star who has netted 14 times in the top-flight this campaign.