At the end of his Whites career, former Leeds United defender Luke Ayling struggled to accept his fate. After leaving Elland Road, the Middlesbrough defender appeared to be “hurt.
Since joining Leeds United, Ayling has been the team’s favorite. He played a significant role in the Whites’ Premier League team while they were in the top division.
After a difficult 16 years out of the English first division, the 33-year-old was also crucial in helping the 49ers climb the ladder.
But Ayling’s career took a similar course to Leeds United’s triumph. He was sent on loan to Middlesbrough after the relegation because he was unable to secure a position under current manager Daniel Farke.
After a successful stint at Riverside Stadium, Luke Ayling emerged as a vital member of Michael Carrick’s squad. Looking back, though, he was unable to conceal how he felt about leaving.
It hurt to leave Leeds back then, and it hurt much more to leave the boys I had spent five, six, or seven years with. “It was difficult for me to depart at that time,” Ayling remarked.
“I still believed that I could support the squad and assist them reach their goals. But ultimately, I just wanted to play football. It was either get out and play football, stay there for six months, or sit on the bench or not even make the squad. Luke said on the podcast My Mate’s a Footballer.
The English defender, however, moved on and is currently content with his life in North Yorkshire. Ayling was convinced to experience life up north by Boro manager Michael Carrick, who played a significant role in the transaction.
At Boro, I’ve been given a home, and I’m loving it. It was pleasant to hear Michael express his sincere desire for me to visit the club and leave my mark.
At Elland Road, Ayling had a stellar career, and the Englishman is now somewhat of a cult figure in Yorkshire. He played for the Whites for seven and a half seasons after initially joining the 49ers in 2016.
With 268 matches under his belt, the Englishman has played a significant part in Leeds United’s historic ascent to the Premier League. In the FA Cup Third Round, he played his final game for the 49ers against Peterborough United.