Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk & Stuart Dallas respond as Leeds United title-winner pens emotional goodbye | OneFootball

Illan Meslier has bid farewell to Leeds United after his contract expired, prompting tributes from past and present team-mates including Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas.

Leeds confirmed his departure last week, ending a seven-year stay that brought two Championship title-winner’s medals and a Premier League run under Marcelo Bielsa. The player said in a post that he was grateful to supporters and staff after an Instagram farewell on Friday night.

His final seasons were difficult, he lost his place to Karl Darlow and did not feature for the first team last season. In his message he reflected on arriving in 2019 as a 19-year-old, described Leeds as a club like no other and said the experience shaped him as a goalkeeper and as a person.

He said it was time for a new challenge, while insisting Leeds will always be part of him. Among the current squad, only Struijk has been at the club longer.

Ayling urged him to be proud of his contribution and praised him as a top player and an even better person. Dallas called it a pleasure and wished him well, while vice-captain Struijk also sent his best.

Josuha Guilavogui said he had believed in him from day one, Willy Gnonto called him a legend and Joel Piroe wished him luck, nicknaming him Casper. Barry Douglas sent warm wishes to his tall French friend after sharing a dressing room. Sebastiaan Bornauw and Dani van den Heuvel also hailed him and wished him success.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk