Sam Byram has finally hit back at comments made by Massimo Cellino following his Leeds United exit back in January 2016, with Cellino saying he was “deeply offended” at Byram choosing to go.
Byram is back at Elland Road after seven and a half years where he endured injuries and subsequently, a real lack of game time – while at West Ham, Norwich and Forest. He played 98 times in that large period.
The 30-year-old has starred this term, playing 16 times. He’s made the left-back slot his own. He picked up a hamstring injury against Plymouth in our latest game. It remains to be seen if he will be fit on Friday.
But back in 2016, Byram chose to join West Ham for £4m. Following his exit, then-owner Cellino said he was saddened: “He’s been offered a contract a few times, he didn’t want to sign. I am deeply offended.”
Byram, after seven years, has now responded to Cellino‘s comments. He says that Cellino offered him “much worse” terms and with West Ham and Everton interested, he realised his Premier League dream.
“I’m not sure what I am allowed to say, but Massimo Cellino tried to convince me to sign on much worse terms. West Ham and Everton were interested, giving me the chance to play in the Premier League.
“Whether you’re a Leeds fan or not, given the opportunity to live your dream, the top aspiration, most people if they’re honest would have taken the chance,” Byram said, in an interview with The Athletic.
Sam Byram hits back at Massimo Cellino after Leeds United exit
When Cellino made the comments, they were met with trepidation by Leeds fans. As was everything that the Italian said. It was disappointing to lose Byram, but there was an air of inevitability about it.
Byram’s comments make more sense. Cellino was often trying to do things on the cheap and it comes as no surprise that he tried to short-shift Byram. Had he offered the same terms, he might have stayed.
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