Josuha Guilavogui name-checks Leeds United heroes in first words charm offensive and admits turning down other clubs
Leeds United signing Josuha Guilavogui says it will be an ‘amazing experience’ and ‘wonderful opportunity’ to play in England for the first time, describing Leeds as an ‘historic club’.
The 34-year-old says he hopes to help the team achieve its goals on and off the pitch and that the opportunity to play under Daniel Farke at Elland Road superseded competing clubs’ proposals.
“I never played in England and I think for a football player it’s an amazing experience,” Guilavogui told LUTV.
“To play for an historic club is a wonderful opportunity for me.
“I had some offers but nothing that made say, ‘Okay, let’s do it’. When my agent called me and said that Daniel is interested and wanted to sign me I said, ‘Let’s go straight to Leeds.’
“Sometimes in life you have opportunities and you don’t want to miss it so I said I will definitely not miss it and really happy to be [here].”
A former French international, Guilavogui arrives with a wealth of experience having played hundreds of times in France and Germany’s top flights, as well as a spell in LaLiga with Atlético Madrid.
The former Les Bleus man also has knowledge of Leeds’ history, name-checking Olivier Dacourt and Marcelo Bielsa in his first official interview with the club.
“When I spoke with my family and friends, when I said Leeds, they said, ‘Wow, Leeds United!’
“Leeds is even very famous in France. Olivier Dacourt played there, Marcelo Bielsa was there, very good trainer, he trained one of the biggest clubs in France.
“To be part of this amazing club is really something that I’m thankful [for].”
Likening himself to Dacourt, Guilavogui admitted he will be in touch with the ex-Leeds midfielder, in order to glean the most from his short time contracted to the club.
“We are aggressive players. I remember Olivier Dacourt when he played in AS Roma, he was also very aggressive. We have some friends together and I will definitely speak with him for some advice to make this beautiful journey even better.”