Marcos Llorente quits the Red as De la Fuente tries to persuade him

On Monday night, under the lights of Cope's studio, Marcos Llorente confirmed that he is putting a full stop to his spell with the Spanish national team, after having played in the World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where the national team added a second star to its crest.

Haro's coach, Luis de la Fuente, described the departure as significant for the national side. His contract was recently renewed until 2032, underscoring the continuity of the project. Llorente's retirement leaves a void in midfield and in the generation that lived through the second stellar emblem.

Reaction of the Coach

In the El Partidazo de Cope interview with Juanma Castaño, De la Fuente explained his attempt to retain the player. “I had spoken with Marcos and, of course, I tried to convince him, to tell him to stay. He had everything to continue, but I respected his decision a lot,” the coach said. He added that Llorente's decision was not whimsical, but considered.

The coach described Llorente as “a very calm, very sensible person” and highlighted his professionalism. “The only thing I can say is thank you for everything you have given,” he concluded. These words reflect the coaching staff’s appreciation for the midfielder’s career.

Other Topics Covered

De la Fuente also announced that his link with the RFEF extends six more years, until 2032, and described the negotiation as “very simple” because both parties sought to understand each other quickly. He thanked the federation for the trust placed in him and stated that he is at his best professionally and personally to face the new challenge.

The coach celebrated his nomination for best manager at the Ballon d’Or, asserting that “a Spaniard deserves it” and that he has achieved “the same merits as the other nominees”. This distinction reinforces his standing among the planet’s most prominent coaches.

Finally, he commented on the suspension of the Under‑20 match in Ceuta due to a security report that advises against holding the game. “When I was there I saw that people were suffering a lot. We must provide a solution to what they are experiencing; that normality must be returned to them now, it is urgent,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Llorente’s announcement marks the end of a period that coincided with the historic second star of the national team, while De la Fuente looks to the future with the conviction of continuing to build the Spanish project.