‘I will never forget’: Rodrigo sends message to Leeds supporters after leaving the club

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Rodrigo has sent a message of gratitude to Leeds United and its supporters after leaving the club on Thursday.

The 32-year-old posted on his official Instagram after sealing a move to Qatari side Al-Rayyan yesterday evening, bringing an end to his three-year stay at the club.

Leeds are said to have got in the region of £3.5 and £4 million for Rodrigo, who was widely expected to depart following the club’s relegation in May.

He becomes Leeds’ sixth major departure of the summer following Tyler Roberts, Alfie McCalmont, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Brenden Aaronson.

It is thought that Rodrigo also had offers from Premier League clubs including Everton and Fulham, but has instead chosen to take the next step in his career by moving to the Middle East.

Rodrigo sends message to Leeds fans

Rodrigo is the first of the summer’s exits from last season’s first team squad where supporters have genuinely wished him well on his next adventure.

This was certainly reflected in his goodbye message, where he thanked everyone around the club for making he and his family feel so welcome.

He said: “The time to say goodbye to three wonderful years in Leeds has arrived. For me is really difficult to find right words to try to explain all my feelings right now.

“All I have to say is that I have lived very special moments in this great club, both personally and professionally, which I will never forget. I feel very grateful for the care and love that my family and myself have felt from the first moment either from the fans and all the amazing people that work in the club.

“Now’s time for a new chapter in my football career and in my life, but I will always carry Leeds United and the city of Leeds in my heart. Thank you so much for everything and, forever and ever, MOT!”

Across his three year stay at the club, Rodrigo scored 28 goals in 97 appearances in all competitions, with his best season certainly his last one despite the struggles of the team.

He netted 13 times in the Premier League across 2022/23 and his effort levels certainly did not go unnoticed among supporters even though it wasn’t enough to keep Leeds in the top-flight.