Georginio Rutter shares what Illan Meslier told him about Leeds United fans when he first joined

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Georginio Rutter has revealed the conversation he had with Illan Meslier before joining Leeds United in January.

Rutter moved to Elland Road from Hoffenheim earlier this year with Meslier having been an international compatriot of his for France’s U21s side.

The first few months at Leeds were extremely tough for Rutter with it even reported back in May that some of his teammates had to speak to him in French due to his struggles with English.

His first few performances at Leeds sparked conversations among pundits and supporters as to why so much money was spent on him, but he has since gone onto prove himself since relegation and is now a fan favourite.

And speaking on the latest episode of the Official Leeds United Podcast, Rutter has revealed that one of the things Meslier told him about the club was the ‘crazy’ fans, which he has managed to experience positively this season.

Rutter has established himself as Leeds fan favourite

Rutter said: “It was good because he helped me a lot when I first came. My English was not good, was very bad. Illan helped me a lot and I asked him before I came here, how is the city, how is Leeds.

“He said to me the fans are crazy, the city is very good. Sometimes you go to a new club and the city is not good. Everyday we speak in French.”

Rutter never got a fair shot during his first few months with most of his cameo appearances coming when Leeds were already three goals down. Sam Allardyce even said publicly he wouldn’t be using him.

Pictures such as the one above show the relationship Rutter has managed to build with supporters this season, which will have boosted confidence levels no end after they were so low last season.

Despite missing several big chances over the course of the campaign, Rutter is still loved by fans due to what he offers the team – creativity, dribbling and excitement.

No player has more assists or big chances created in the division so far this season, and that sort of output has been clearly recognised.