Gaetano Berardi has claimed his time at Leeds United was the best of his career after he announced his retirement earlier this week.
Berardi was speaking in an interview with BBC West Yorkshire Sport, where he also described his Elland Road send off alongside Pablo Hernandez as a ‘dream’.
The 34-year-old established himself as a cult hero during his seven-year stay with the club, making 157 appearances and helping the club win promotion in his penultimate campaign.
Much of Berardi’s final year at the club was spent recovering from a serious knee injury, though he was able to return in time to play in the final two matches.
The second of which was Leeds‘ first game in front of a crowd at Elland Road in 14 months, which handed both Berardi and Hernandez the opportunity to receive a proper farewell in front of supporters.
Berardi says Leeds best time of his career
While never the most talented in the team, Berardi was always revered by supporters as he got exactly what it meant to play for Leeds.
After a number of red cards during the early stages of his Whites career, it was impossible to see him stay as long as he did.
Berardi would always battle his way through the adversity, though, and in the end, it turned into the best and most successful time of his career.
He said: “It was not easy to play that game with Pablo [Hernandez] but it was an unbelievable moment, unforgettable. It was always a dream to leave in that way.
“It was the best part of my career and of my life because I knew special people in Leeds, outside football as well. I still have friends there, chat with some of them.
“When I have time I like to come and see people because I still have love for Leeds. It’s a really big part of my life.”
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