Robin Koch sent an open letter of gratitude to Leeds United and its fans after sealing his loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt. Koch is out of contract at the end of the season and therefore it would appear as though he has played his last game for the Whites.
It is thought Leeds will receive a loan fee from the German outfit and while he isn’t the first player to leave Elland Road this summer, it could be said that he is the first high profile departure. Diego Llorente is expected to follow the centre-back out the door as he looks set to join Roma, while Brenden Aaronson, according to reports, is on the verge of a move to Union Berlin.
Koch spent three seasons with Leeds in the Premier League, making a total 77 appearances in all competitions. Without a doubt his best season at the club was his most recent one, playing a key role at the back for the Whites but his performances couldn’t help United retain their top flight status.
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The German defender will be hoping to continue that fine form at Frankfurt, who will be competing in the Europa Conference League this year, having finished seventh in last year’s Bundesliga table. After seeing his Leeds exit confirmed, Koch took to social media to send a message.
“Dear LUFC fans,” he wrote. “At this point I look back on three wonderful and exciting years in Leeds. To play for Leeds United and in front of you unforgettable fans, to defend for these colours, to celebrate with you, to even lead the team onto the pitch as captain, was a special honour and pleasure during the last three seasons.
“All the moments I have experienced together with you and especially at Elland Road, great victories and bitter defeats, have made me the person I am today. These are impressions and feelings that cannot be put into words and that have made me very proud and happy that my path as a professional footballer has led me to this club. I have taken Leeds United into my heart.
“I have met many, many great people here up to this point and my greatest thanks go to them. To all the people in charge at the club, all the staff, my coaches, my teammates and, of course, you fans! I wish the club, the city and all of you only the best and hope that you will remember me well. I will definitely do so. Thanks for everything so far.”
