Marco Silvestri has admitted that he struggled dealing with the 'long' seasons in English football during his his spell at Leeds United.
Silvestri joined Leeds from Chievo on a four-year deal in July 2014, and would later be joined by fellow Italians Tommaso Bianchi, Mirco Antenucci and Giueseppe Bellusci.
His stay at Elland Road saw no fewer than six different managers during Massimo Cellino's infamous spell as Leeds owner. He made 98 appearances in total for Leeds but fell down the pecking order behind Robert Green in his third and final season in West Yorkshire.
READ MORE: Leeds United's new backroom staff set for Newcastle-Benitez flavour under Javi Gracia
Silvestri, who now plays in the Italian top-flight for Udinese, has opened up on his struggles in the Championship, and how he found it difficult to cope both physically and mentally.
“England is a different story. Before arriving, I had just come back from six months at Chievo and as many at Cagliari,” Silvestri revealed via Tutto Cagliari.
“In my first year here, with Cellino, we were many Italians and it was quite easy to integrate. The English helped us, it was difficult football wise initially and I remember I struggled a lot, I wasn’t playing well.
“The Championship is tough physically and technically, tactics are taken into account less. Then the league is very long, endless.
“I got almost to 92 games, it seemed like it would never end. You arrive in February thinking you are at the end, but in reality there are still 20 games to go.”
READ NEXT:
Promotions, titles, and Valencia 'betrayal' - Javi Gracia route to becoming Leeds United head coach
Javi Gracia's Leeds United work permit explained as Whites boss faces Southampton uncertainty
Rodrigo sets Leeds United timescale for early return from ankle surgery after FA Cup setback
Gallery: Leeds United's season so far with big signings, shock wins, relegation form, new boss
Georginio Rutter and Brenden Aaronson among Leeds United players Javi Gracia can galvanise
