Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk & Stuart Dallas react as Leeds United title-winner bids emotional farewell | OneFootball

Leeds United favourites past and present saluted Illan Meslier after the goalkeeper posted an emotional farewell on Friday night. His exit had been confirmed days earlier when his contract expired after seven years at Elland Road.

The 26-year-old leaves with two Championship winner’s medals and the experience of being a Premier League regular under Marcelo Bielsa. Although he was displaced by Karl Darlow and did not make a first-team appearance last season, he remained popular in the dressing room.

In his Instagram message, Meslier thanked everyone from supporters to backroom staff. He reflected on arriving in 2019 as a 19-year-old, described Leeds as a unique club with unmatched passion, and said the city, the club and the shirt are now part of him. He added that it is time to take on a new challenge.

With only Pascal Struijk in the current squad having been at Leeds longer, familiar faces sent their best wishes. Luke Ayling praised his contribution and character, Stuart Dallas looked back fondly on times shared, and Struijk said it had been a pleasure.

Messages also arrived from Josuha Guilavogui, Willy Gnonto, Joel Piroe, Barry Douglas, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Dani van den Heuvel. They expressed belief in him, hailed his impact and wished him luck for what comes next.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk