Leeds United man reveals Elland Road pride after 'mentally difficult' return to life in England

Speaking at a press call for the United States Men's National Team on Wednesday, Aaronson revealed pride at his successful reintegration into the first-team setup at Elland Road, following a year out on loan with Union Berlin.

The American's exit last summer left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Leeds supporters, some of whom perceived his decision to exercise a clause permitting him to leave on loan as deserting the club following relegation to the Championship.

Still in the Championship after narrowly missing out on an immediate return to the top flight, Leeds have been able to count on Aaronson this term with the attacking midfielder already contributing tangibly to Daniel Farke's side.

With two goals and an assist to his name, Aaronson has made the No. 10 position his own since returning to Elland Road, is playing regularly for the Whites and even clinched the club's Player of the Month award for August.

"I had unfinished business at Leeds, and so a lot of things pointed me going back to Leeds," Aaronson told Stateside reporters ahead of the USA's fixture with Panama this weekend. "I think that was the biggest thing for me: a feeling and wanting to go back and prove myself again.

"I would say the first couple weeks were pretty difficult mentally. It's not easy when you come back and it's tough because you might see some fans getting upset with you. You've got to prove yourself again. But I'm proud of myself. I've come back and done really well. I won Player of the Month, which is really good for me, and that was a really great start.

"Now I just want to keep building and keep scoring and assisting and, yeah, just keep getting better," he added.

Leeds are fifth in the Championship table, three points off top spot having taken 16 points from their first nine games of the campaign. Injuries permitting, the 23-year-old is expected to play an important role in the coming weeks upon the team's return to domestic action.

Next up for Farke's men is a derby versus Sheffield United at Elland Road, followed by another home game against Watford on Aaronson's 24th birthday four days later.