Leeds United legend Pablo Hernandez has taken to Instagram to confirm he has retired from professional football after a couple of seasons at lowly Spanish side Castellon – of which he part owns. It comes after five years at Leeds.
The 38-year-old initially joined Leeds on loan from Qatari side Al-Arabi. A move which saw Hernandez, a four-time Spain international, reunite with then-Leeds boss Garry Monk – with the two working together in his Swansea spell.
He then signed permanently a year later, even with Monk not at the club. Then, he came into his own, when Marcelo Bielsa arrived. Of course, Leeds fans will remember the winner at old club Swansea, sending us back to the top.
In the end, he clocked up 175 games for Leeds – having a hand in 77 goals for the Whites. A wonderful spell towards the end of his career – after previously impressing at Swansea and at Valencia. Now, he has announced retirement.
Leeds legend Hernandez takes to Instagram after retiring from football
A legend for us. A player that made us dream. A player that pretty much, gave Leeds the hope – along with Bielsa – to finally end our 16-year hiatus outside of the Premier League. It was a strange match, but a match made in heaven.
His ability to gracefully glide across the pitch, his goal in the first 20 seconds against West Brom, his assist for Stuart Dallas against Stoke, his Swansea goal – there are so many wonderful moments of Pablo in a Leeds shirt.
So, be glad that it happened, but also sad because his career is over. From LeedsUnited.News, thank you Pablo. You gave us some of the best years Leeds fans have so-long deserved, in recent times. Good luck in your next chapter.
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