Kalvin Phillips Thanks Marcelo Bielsa In Emotional Farewell Letter To Leeds United After Joining Man City
Kalvin Phillips has penned an emotional letter to Leeds United after signing a six-year deal with Manchester City.
England international Phillips, 26, completed his move to the Etihad on Monday.
Premier League champions City have paid an initial £45m fee for the defensive midfielder, who has been signed to replace Fernandinho.
We are delighted to announce the signing of @Kalvinphillips on a six-year deal 🤩
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2022
Welcome, Kalvin! 💙#ManCity pic.twitter.com/3fNJthPNIL
Phillips leaves his boyhood club Leeds United, who he has played for since joining their academy as a 14-year-old.
After his move to City was confirmed, Phillips posted a heartfelt letter to Leeds on his Twitter account in which he thanked the club, its fans, current manager Jesse Marsch and former boss Marcelo Bielsa.
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"Where do I start? First of all, I would like to express how much of a privilege it has been to play for this amazing club. Since making my debut at 17 it has been a journey any Leeds lad could wish for," wrote Phillips.
"When I was young, I went to see my first ever Leeds game at ER and from that moment I knew that my dream was to put on that white shirt and walk out on that pitch. I'd like to thank everyone involved at the club for making Leeds one of the best clubs on earth. Every manager I have played under for showing trust in me and teaching me all I know."
Dear @LUFC… 🤍 pic.twitter.com/bA3YAcq7VJ
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) July 4, 2022
Phillips went on to thank former manager Bielsa, who guided the club back to the Premier League in 2020 before leaving the last season after a run of poor results.
"I cannot mention Leeds without mentioning one special person – Marcelo," added Phillips.
"The best manager I have ever come across. He was a man that gave the club life, he gave the players, and everyone involved in the club belief that we were good enough to return to the premier league after 16 years. Not only did you give the club everything, but you also gave me everything I needed to become the person I am today on and off the field.”
He also thanked current manager Marsch, who guided Leeds to Premier League safety last season following Bielsa's departure.
🤍 Thank you, @Kalvinphillips! pic.twitter.com/X6ls9vDpBd
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 4, 2022
"And now to Jesse, what an unbelievable manager you are, but what an even better person," added Phillips.
"You came into this club and gave every single player confidence and belief in a very difficult season and that's what kept us in the league. From the bottom of my heart thank you."
Phillips added: "To all my teammates from my debut to my last game thank you for helping a Leeds lad achieve his dream. I wish everyone all the best in the future and for the next season.
"Over the last 4 years me and you boys have shared so many memories, from missing out in the play offs to getting promoted and then surviving relegation last season. You lot are an unbelievable set of boys that deserve everything.
Like a proud Father. You have earned this chance and I have no doubt you will deliver like you always did for us. An unbelievable player but I’m more proud of the man you have become! Never change mate. Look after him. 🤍 https://t.co/DZ4PtRxniM
— Liam Cooper (@LiamCooper__) July 4, 2022
"And finally, to my family, the fans! I hope you guys understand my decision and will accept that I only want to chase my dreams and test myself against and with the best teams and best players on the planet. As a young kid I had so many dreams and still do... but playing for you was the one I will never forget.
You are the best fans in the world.
"Good luck to everyone involved with Leeds United. I love you all and will miss you. Never goodbye. I WILL see you soon. MOT!"
Topics: Leeds United, Kalvin Phillips, Transfers, Manchester City, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan