Junior Firpo breaks silence on Leeds United blocking him from playing at Paris Olympics

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Junior Firpo had been planning on representing the Dominican Republic at the Paris Olympics this summer but Leeds United have blocked that decision, and now Firpo has posted on Instagram.

The 27-year-old left-back remains a key player at Leeds after a brilliant end to the season under Daniel Farke. Indeed, Firpo came into the side around Christmas and laid on eight assists ahead of Wembley.

While Firpo is in the final year of his contract at Leeds, all the signs on these shores suggest he will be staying at Leeds. That is despite Spanish reports indicating Firpo has agreed personal terms with Betis.

Firpo played in the 4-1 win over Hannover 96 on Wednesday afternoon and has been doing media work on LUTV this week, too. Firpo even commented on Mateo Joseph’s Instagram, hinting he will stay put.

• READ MORE: What Sam Byram was saying to Willy Gnonto during Hannover win

Leeds star Firpo was initially going to Paris Olympics after call-up

Firpo was initially called-up by the Dominican Republic to play at the Olympics in Paris, which are now underway. His nation drew 0-0 with Egypt on Wednesday, before taking on one of the favourites Spain.

Indeed, it looked as though Firpo would be going to Paris this summer and returning to Leeds potentially late for the start of the new season. He even played two friendlies for the Dominican Republic in June.

But Firpo has remained in Germany with Leeds after the Whites blocked the potential of a call-up for the defender to go to The Olympics, and he has finally broken silence on his Instagram story on Thursday.

“I tried in every way given the excitement that made me live this experience and represent my country in an important, unique event. At the end of the day I have to respect the decision of the club I represent.

“I would like to thank the coach and his coaching staff for waiting for me until the last moment and wish my teammates all the luck in the world. I will enjoy cheering from home like anyone else,” Firpo said.

Leeds have a decision to make on Firpo in the long-term

So, Leeds either sell Firpo this summer and bring in some cash for his signature, or try to tie him down to a new deal. Those are the two options if The 49ers are to avoid losing Firpo on a free next summer.

What could prove crucial in keeping Firpo at Elland Road beyond the next 12 months is how Leeds fare in the Championship this season. If Leeds go up, Firpo will obviously want to stay and sign a new deal.

Failure to do so, and he might want to return to Spain after four years in England after previous spells at Real Betis and Barcelona. The next couple of months will be crucial in terms of Firpo’s long-term future.