Llorente: "I just try to do my best"

Fernando Llorente loves the FA Cup – and was delighted to play his part as we racked up a Club record 7-0 away win in the third round at Tranmere on Friday night.

The Spanish hitman scored two goals in as many minutes to complete his treble in the second half having made it 2-0 just after half-time.

Serge Aurier crucially broke the deadlock with a 25-yard screamer on 40 minutes. Fernando’s second half treble, Serge’s second and goals from Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son took us to 7-0 – toppling our previous best away win of 7-1 against Hull in the Premier League in May, 2017.

It was Fernando’s second hat-trick in the FA Cup having bagged his first for the Club in the replay win against Rochdale last season.

With the matchball under his arm at Prenton Park, Fernando told us: “Yes, I love the FA Cup, I love every chance I have (to play). I try to play well, to do my best and this is the way.

“It was a good performance. It wasn’t easy at the beginning. I’m very happy for the hat-trick because that always gives confidence to me and now I’ll keep going and fighting for every minute and every chance the gaffer gives me.”

Fernando’s goals came via assists from Heung-Min Son, Oliver Skipp and Lucas Moura and Fernando pointed out what a joy it is to play alongside our attacking players.

“Yes, it’s amazing to play with these team-mates,” he added. “They make it easier for me, they give me very good passes and always it’s a pleasure to play with these amazing players.”