Marcos Llorente has revealed how he avoids eating processed foods and trains on an empty stomach ahead of Atletico Madrid's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night. 

The 29-year-old says he has cut out pasta, bread and rice. Instead, he eats regular potatoes, sweet potatoes and cassava - which is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for over half a billion people.

Llorente - who said he couldn't even look at processed foods - told Cadena SER programme 'El Larguero' that he will continue to adopt paleolithic diet long after he retires from professional football.

The conversation took place ahead of Atletico Madrid's Champions League, first leg, clash with Borussia Dortmund at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday evening. 

Speaking to Cadena SER programme 'El Larguero' about his diet, Llorente said: 'It would be eating what was eaten in the Paleolithic. You would have to eliminate all ultra-processed foods. Don't even look at them. And also cereals. 

Marcos Llorente (above) has cut out pasta, bread, rice and other processed foods

He spoke about his Paleolithic diet diet ahead of Atletico Madrid 's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night

'Everything that is pasta, bread, wheat, rice , that outside and also dairy outside. Only high-quality cheeses. I eat everything. Meat, like the steak that I love. Fish, eggs, vegetables. And carbohydrates like potatoes, sweet potatoes and cassava.' 

'With the Paleolithic diet I will go 100 per cent. It is a lifestyle and a way of living. With that I will live and with that I will die. That's how it is. I do it for health, not because of football. I am clear that when I finish my career, I will continue to take care of myself just as much or more than now.' 

Llorente will be eager to help Atletico beat Dortmund on Wednesday night. However, he will have to do it without the help of Memphis Depay after he suffered yet another injury issue in training on Monday.

The Dutchman - who scored the equaliser on aggregate to send their Round of 16 clash with Inter to extra time - has struggled with injuries all season and is now set to miss both legs against the German giants. 

The news of Memphis' comes as a major blow to the Atletico squad given they are battle for a top four finish, with just a two-point advantage over Athletic Club with eight games to go. 

Nevertheless, Llorente is confident Atletico can get the job done against Dortmund before turning their attention back to the league.  

He eats regular potatoes, sweet potatoes and cassava - which is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for over half a billion people

The 29-year-old footballer went as far as to say he would live and die by his diet

Speaking about Wednesday's Champions League clash with Dortmund, Llorente said: 'I'm calm at the moment. There will be time to get nervous on Wednesday. It's good to live it calmly. I'm looking forward to the game and I think it's a great opportunity for us. 

'We are very excited. It is a great opportunity for this season. Entering the Champions League semi-finals is another story. The team is very eager and has plenty of motivation. The fans are going to make it a very special match.'

Llorente went on to speak about how his side must start against Dortmund, claiming they are s like: 6dislike: 1