Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk & Stuart Dallas react as Meslier posts emotional Leeds goodbye | OneFootball

Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas were among those to salute Illan Meslier after his emotional farewell to Leeds United.

The 26-year-old departed after his contract expired last week, ending seven years in West Yorkshire that brought two Championship title-winner’s medals and regular Premier League football under Marcelo Bielsa. The player said in a post that he was grateful to supporters and staff.

His final two seasons were challenging, as he lost his place to Karl Darlow and did not feature for the first team last season.

The farewell message reflected on arriving in 2019 at 19, discovering a unique club and fanbase that helped shape him, and made clear Leeds will always remain part of him as he embraces a new chapter.

Only Struijk has been at the club longer among the current squad, and tributes quickly followed. Ayling urged him to be proud, calling him a top player and an even better person, while Dallas described it as a pleasure and wished him well.

Struijk kept it brief, calling it a pleasure. Josuha Guilavogui’s message backed him from day one, Willy Gnonto labelled him a legend, and Joel Piroe wished him luck with the nickname Casper. Barry Douglas sent warm wishes to his tall French friend, Sebastiaan Bornauw praised both keeper and person, and Dani van den Heuvel offered brotherly support.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk