World Cup winner 'wanted to play for Celtic or Rangers' as Scott McTominay Napoli brutality catches eyes

Llorente, a former striker who won 24 caps for his country, featured for a number of top clubs during a 19-year career, including Athletic Bilbao, Juventus, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli. He was part of the Spain squad that became world champions in 2010.

And despite a glittering spell as a player, Llorente has revealed that playing for one of Glasgow’s big clubs would have appealed to him - although he could not decide which one would have been best suited to him.

“I don’t remember exactly, but it’s possible something came up and I wouldn’t have minded,” said Llorente, now 41, of possible interest from Celtic and Rangers. “It’s hard to say. I never played for either, but I went as a commentator to the Spain-Scotland qualifier a few years ago.

“I went to Celtic Park with the stadium empty and it looked impressive. Full it must be crazy. I also went to Ibrox. They are two huge clubs and I would have liked the experience. I couldn’t tell you which one I would have chosen because I haven’t lived there.”

Llorente did spend two years with Napoli in Serie A between 2019 and 2021. He became fond of the Italian side and has enjoyed the performances of Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, who helped them win the Scudetto last term.

“I understand how passionate the Napoli fans are,” continued Llorente in an interview for Hapjer. “They are reliving something similar to what [Diego] Maradona did 40-odd years ago, so they need a new idol. It’s not really a player-to-player comparison, Maradona is one of the greatest ever, along with Messi. But McTominay is a great player.

“I’m not surprised by his performances, I already knew him from when Spain played Scotland; he scored both goals against us. He has a brutal goal threat, physical presence, and can play in many positions.

“The seasons they won the league were incredible. This is his fourth season I think. This year, after winning again with [Antonio] Conte last season, expectations were high, but they are still in the title race.”