Daniel James has admitted it was 'tough' to leave Leeds United in the summer but ultimately feels as though it was the correct decision with the World Cup in mind. James made a season-long-loan switch to Fulham on deadline day after Leeds told him he was able to leave.
He had been at Elland Road for only 12 months prior to his move to Fulham, having joined in a £25 million deal on deadline day in the summer of 2021. James signed a long-term deal until 2026 with Leeds but was likely to see his game time limited with Luis Sinisterra, Jack Harrison, Brenden Aaronson, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto all competing for his spot.
The 25-year-old is now in Qatar with Wales preparing to live up his dream of playing in the World Cup, which gets underway against USA on Monday. Speaking to Wales Online, James believes he made the right choice moving to Fulham to ensure he was ready for the World Cup.
READ MORE: Tyler Adams has stood by his summer promise and won the hearts of Leeds United fans in the process
He said: “It’s (World Cup) one of the pinnacles of my career. I wanted to play games and be fit coming into the tournament. It was always on my mind.
“I was there for a season (at Leeds) and really enjoyed it. I loved the place and my family loved it there. It was tough (to leave), it was deadline day and it was last minute.”
“I was thinking about the World Cup and maybe I was going to get more game-time. That was always on my mind. I’ve never thought since that I’ve made the wrong decision. I still believe I made the right one.”
READ NEXT:
- Points to prove at Leeds United with contracts, international spots and futures to play for
- Leeds United mid-season player ratings: Trio stand out but Bamford and Llorente struggle
- Luke Ayling's uncertain future as Leeds United contract call to be made
- Leeds United's new priorities with Rodrigo competition, key recruitment call and striker decision
- Leeds United approaching Charlie Cresswell decision as Millwall loan clause moves into focus
