Monday 8 August 2016 10:52, UK
Fernando Llorente requested to play against Stade Rennais less than 24 hours after completing his move to Swansea, manager Francesco Guidolin has revealed.
The veteran Spanish striker signed for the Swans from Sevilla on Friday and then impressed over 60 minutes in a 1-0 win against the French side on Saturday.
Guidolin insists the 31-year-old has arrived in the Premier League with massive motivation to succeed and was pleased with that he saw from Llorente at the Liberty Stadium.
The Italian manager said: "Fernando asked me yesterday if he could play 30 or 45 minutes. I asked him if it was possible to play longer and he said 'yes', so I chose him to begin the game.
"He needs games. He needs to play football with our team because it's a new team for him. I decided to do it this way because the most important thing for him now is to play games."
"I am happy because he is an important player in Europe. I remember him from when he played in Italy with Juventus. He is a good signing for us.
"I think he can do well in the Premier League because it's the first time for him in this league and his motivation and enthusiasm is big."
It was youngster Jay Fulton who bagged the winner for the Swans, however, heading home a corner in the second half.
Ahead of their Premier League opener against Burnley next weekend, Guidolin said: "I am optimistic. I am confident. We are doing well in training sessions and working hard.
"Normally in pre-season I prefer to play well and lose all the games, because that's better for the character going into the first league game. We have won, but I am happy."
