Marc Roca has told Spanish newspaper Marca that he “learned to love Leeds” during his time at Elland Road, despite playing a prominent part in the club’s relegation – and jumping ship during the summer.
Roca, 26, joined Leeds after two tricky seasons with Bayern Munich. A player with a big calibre, given he had come from the German champions – and starred in La Liga with RCD Espanyol. A cultured left foot.
While he showed glimpses at Leeds, he could not muster what was needed in the middle of the park. Ultimately, relegation. Roca was one of eight players to use a relegation loan release clause, and depart.
Along with Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Rasmus Kristensen, Luis Sinisterra, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison and Max Wober. Roca has gone back to Spain with Betis and is starring in green and white.
“I didn’t stop enjoying at any moment, not even for a second. The truth is that we had a great dressing room, a great atmosphere, I enjoyed a lot, I had a lot of participation. A year of growth, personal growth.
“A lot of intensity in the Premier, playing against the best. I learned to love Leeds. I love it because I play in the Premier League. I connected a lot with the club. It didn’t end the way we wanted but I enjoyed it.”
Roca says he learned to love Leeds during his time at Elland Road
It is clear that Roca is a top player. His early form at Betis is linking him with a National Team call-up to the Spain squad. He has been superb in La Liga – scoring in a 3-0 win over Valencia on Sunday evening.
But perhaps, it is just that Spain suits Roca. It did not happen in Germany and only glimpses occurred in England. He might have loved us, he didn’t do enough for us to love him. Spain is the best place for him.
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