Joe Gelhardt has revealed a presentation from Victor Orta prompted him to opt for a move to Leeds United two years ago. Gelhardt was the subject of a transfer tug of war from several Premier League sides in 2020 as it became clear Wigan Athletic would be forced into selling him due to financial difficulties.
Established and top Premier League sides such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City were all chasing his signature, but it was newly promoted Leeds who won the race. And his decision has proven to be the correct one, with Gelhardt now very much a first team player after playing a key role in last season’s last gasp survival.
Speaking in an interview with the Times, Gelhardt opened up on how Orta was able to sell the club to both him and his Mum, before then detailing just how much he enjoys playing in front of the Leeds supporters.
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“He showed me a presentation about Leeds, the fans and the history. As soon as I walked out of the meeting, I said to my mum ‘this is the place for me.’ I knew straight away.
“The video Victor showed me of the fans show much Leeds means to the people. It’s what I love. It was a no brainer to come here. When I’ve been in the stand watching the game, the fans are scary loud but when I’m on the pitch, it feels even louder.
“It’s a cliche but they really are like a 12th man when we’re pushing for something. It lifts me 100 per cent. I don’t get tired as much, because I want to put in the work for the Leeds fans.
“We were getting beat 7-0 by Man City last season and you could hear the Leeds fans more than the City fans. That shows how special they are.”
“Leeds represent passion, hard work and never giving up. They are the three things that stick out to me when I think about Leeds.”
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