Illan Meslier breaks Leeds United exit silence with emotional goodbye statement | OneFootball

Illan Meslier has issued a heartfelt farewell to Leeds United, saying the club and city will always be part of him.

The club said in a statement that the goalkeeper would leave this summer when his Elland Road contract expired. His seven-year stay began with a 2019 move from FC Lorient, becoming a Championship title-winner and a Premier League regular under Marcelo Bielsa.

The latter years proved difficult. Meslier was dropped by Sam Allardyce during the relegation run-in, then a string of errors saw him replaced by Karl Darlow last season. He did not feature in 2025/26, sitting behind Darlow and Lucas Perri.

In his message, the 26-year-old thanked coaches, medical staff, team-mates and staff at Elland Road and the training ground. He reflected on arriving as a 19-year-old and said the club had shaped him as a goalkeeper and a person. He added that it was time for a new challenge, while stressing that Leeds will never leave him.

Meslier made 215 appearances for Leeds, keeping 72 clean sheets across the Championship and Premier League. He played a major part in promotion campaigns in 2019/20 and 2024/25, departing as a two-time champion. He is also remembered for stepping in for Kiko Casilla before promotion was sealed.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk