Junior Firpo and Marcelo Bielsa did battle in Malaysia on Friday afternoon as the two Leeds United icons met in a friendly between Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.
Firpo started for his nation in what was a full-strength Dominican Republic side, while it was almost a Uruguay B-team. Bielsa chose not to call up his regulars for the October break, given they are friendlies.
In true Bielsa style, he picked several uncapped Uruguayans, and even some 16-year-old talents sat on the Uruguay bench. Bielsa’s side dominated and eventually won the match 1-0 in Kuala Lumpur.
Of course, Bielsa was in charge at Leeds when the Whites actually brought Firpo to the club from Barcelona. Bielsa was sacked in February 2022 and more than three years later, Firpo left in the summer.
What Junior Firpo did with visiting Leeds fans after 1-0 defeat
Leeds fans were spotted in the stadium as Firpo and Bielsa did battle. Having only just left Leeds to return to Real Betis, Leeds are still clearly in the left-back’s heart. That was proved with Firpo’s last Instagram.
He uploaded a few pictures that included one of his children wearing this season’s away kit. After Friday’s game, Firpo was pictured speaking and meeting the Leeds fans who had made their way to Kuala Lumpur.
He signed shirts and autographs for the travelling Leeds supporters, an utter touch of class from Firpo. The Leeds fans showed their appreciation to Firpo and Bielsa with a brilliant banner during the game.
Why Junior Firpo didn’t sign new Leeds United contract
Available on a free in the summer, Firpo returned to Betis. But only after urging Paraag Marathe to offer him a new Leeds contract during the parade. It is believed Leeds did actually offer Firpo a new deal.
But, the wage offered was less than the deal Firpo signed in the Premier League. In his goodbye video to Leeds supporters on social media, Firpo claims Leeds made it impossible for him to sign a new deal.
Firpo is now playing his football in the Europa League, and for a team that shares his heart with Leeds. Gabriel Gudmundsson has come in at left-back and made a brilliant start for Daniel Farke’s side.
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