Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk & Stuart Dallas respond as Leeds United title-winner pens emotional goodbye
The Leeds United goalkeeper received plenty of love following an emotional goodbye.
A host of Leeds United favourites past and present have sent messages to Illan Meslier following his emotional goodbye.
Leeds confirmed Meslier’s exit following the expiration of his contract last week, with the goalkeeper set to call time on a seven-year spell in West Yorkshire. The 26-year-old departs with two Championship title-winner’s medals and memories of being a Premier League regular under Marcelo Bielsa.
While Meslier’s final couple of years at Leeds didn’t go as planned - he was dropped for Karl Darlow and didn’t play a first-team game last season - he remained a much-loved part of the playing group. On Friday night, the Frenchman penned an emotional goodbye via Instagram, thanking everyone from fans to backroom staff.
He added: “When I arrived at this club in 2019 as a 19-year-old kid, I had no idea what was ahead of me. What I found was a club like no other, a fanbase with a passion that is truly unmatched, and a place that has shaped me into the goalkeeper and the man I am today.
“After seven years, the time has come to take on a new challenge and step into a new chapter of my career. Leeds will never leave me. This city, this club, this shirt ; it’s part of who I am now and always will be.”
Having spent such a long time at Leeds - only Pascal Struijk in the current squad has been around longer - Meslier crossed paths with many a club favourite. And a number of them took time to send nice messages to their former teammate.
Leeds United teammates respond to Illan Meslier goodbye
Luke Ayling wrote: “Be very proud of what you did at our club. You're a top top player and even better person my friend. All the best in the future.”
Stuart Dallas wrote: “Absolute pleasure. Amazing times together. Best wishes for whatever is next.”
Current Leeds vice-captain Pascal Struijk wrote: “It was a pleasure.”
Josuha Guilavogui wrote: “My Illan. I believe in you since day one.”
Willy Gnonto wrote: “Legend.”
Joel Piroe wrote: “Good luck Casper.”
Barry Douglas wrote: “My big tall French buddy all the best for what’s next it was a pleasure to share that dressing room with you good luck mon frer.”
Sebastiaan Bornauw wrote: “What a keeper, what a guy. All the best for the future.”
Dani van den Heuvel wrote: “My French brother! Had amazing times with you there! Good luck.”