Mateusz Klich, Kalvin Phillips & Luke Ayling respond as Leeds United title-winner retires | OneFootball

Barry Douglas, a key member of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United promotion side, has retired from football, drawing warm tributes from Mateusz Klich, Kalvin Phillips and Luke Ayling.

The player said in a post that it was time to say goodbye to playing, reflecting with pride on 455 senior appearances, thanking every club and savouring the honour of representing Scotland.

Douglas joined from Wolves in summer 2018 for around £3million, the first permanent signing of Bielsa’s tenure. He made 44 appearances across two Championship seasons, helping seal the 2019/20 promotion.

He never featured in the Premier League, spending 2020/21 on loan at Blackburn Rovers, then departing Elland Road when his contract expired the following year.

His 17-year career spanned seven clubs in four countries, including Lech Poznan, Dundee United and Konyaspor. He lifted the Championship with Leeds and Wolves, won the Polish Ekstraklasa twice with Lech Poznan, and added cup honours in Poland and Türkiye.

Former team-mates posted their support. Klich called it a pleasure to play alongside him and praised his Polish, while Patrick Bamford offered congratulations and best wishes for what comes next.

Phillips highlighted shared memories and time with family. Ayling hailed a fine career and lasting dressing-room memories, Gaetano Berardi sent congratulations and called him a top man, while Leif Davis thanked him for guidance and Tyler Roberts noted a career to be proud of.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk