'A big step' - New Leeds United defender's first words after contract signed
Leeds United confirmed the signing of Leonard Ngenge on Tuesday.
New Leeds United signing Leonard Ngenge admits a move to West Yorkshire is the biggest step of his young career so far - but the defender is excited to take his opportunity.
Ngenge’s arrival in West Yorkshire was officially confirmed on Tuesday after the YEP reported last week it was close to completion. The 18-year-old has penned an 18-month contract and will initially join up with Scott Gardner’s Under-21s side, having left Remo Stars in his home country.
Leeds secured a pre-contract agreement with the towering centre-back, who earlier this month was spotted in what appeared to be a Thorp Arch dressing room wearing this season’s club training gear and holding a pair of boots. He was back there to put the finishing touches on that 18-month deal and can’t wait to get going.
“I am excited,” the new Leeds signing told LUTV. “It is a big step for me. It is the biggest step of my career right now and I hope to start perfectly. It is a huge opportunity and hopefully I get to utilise my opportunity and do better for the club, represent the club and be part of the great things they set out to achieve.
“Leeds is a great club. I know they have got tons of history and I heard about some players like Tony Yeboah from Ghana who scored lots of goals, so I know they are a good club. I am left-footed, I like to show my tackling abilities, getting the body in the way and doing everything to cover the goalkeeper.”
While Ngenge will initially join up with the Under-21s, he boasts plenty of senior experience back in his native country. The teenager played top-flight football for Ikorodu City and Remo Stars, with two international caps with Nigeria under his belt too.
Ngenge’s international debut came in a 1-0 African Nations Championship defeat to recent African Cup of Nations champions Senegal back in August. A few days later, he featured in another defeat, this time losing 4-0 against Sudan but learning early lessons.
“It was also a great opportunity,” Ngenge said of the experience. “I worked hard. The coaches pushed me back at home. It was a great part of that. I learned a lot down there.”