Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas salute Illan Meslier after Leeds United farewell | OneFootball

Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas were among those saluting Illan Meslier after the goalkeeper posted an emotional farewell on Friday night to Leeds United, days after his seven-year stay ended.

The 26-year-old’s contract expired last week, drawing a line under a period that brought two Championship title-winner’s medals and regular Premier League action under Marcelo Bielsa. The player said in a post that he arrived in 2019 as a 19-year-old, found a club like no other and is now ready for a new challenge while insisting Leeds will always be part of him.

The final years were tougher, as he lost his place to Karl Darlow and did not feature for the first team last season. Even so, he remained a popular figure in the dressing room. Only Pascal Struijk has been in the current squad longer.

Ayling urged him to be proud of his time at the club and called him a top player and an even better person, wishing him well. Dallas described it as a pleasure and sent best wishes. Vice-captain Struijk echoed the sentiment.

Josuha Guilavogui expressed belief in him from day one, Willy Gnonto labelled him a legend and Joel Piroe wished him luck, nicknaming him Casper. Barry Douglas hailed his big tall French buddy and offered good luck in French, while Sebastiaan Bornauw and Dani van den Heuvel praised him and backed him for the future.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk