Junior Firpo shares what Leeds United told him after decision at Elland Road
Leeds United told Junior Firpo that they “needed him” during pre-season as his Olympic participation was rejected.
The left-back has admitted that it was tough to get the rejection to represent his country, after trying until the final day to get clearance.
However, the Whites refused to let the defender go to Paris as he was “one of the leaders” in the squad, and has started every Championship game this season.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo (9 September) Firpo shared his response to the disappointing news.
“It was tough, I tried until the last day but they told me that since I was an important player, one of the leaders and captains, they needed me at the start of the preseason because the clubs close their businesses in the preseason,” he said.
“I was one of the complainants, I was telling them that for me it was going to be something unique but it didn’t work out.”
Leeds United make Junior Firpo decision
Although the player himself might not feel like the decision taken by Leeds was the correct one, in reality, it was by far the best option for both parties.
Firpo had just come off of a year hit with injuries and had started to hit full fitness in the final months of last season, going into pre-season.
For both Firpo and Leeds, the risk of the defender getting injured once again after a gruelling Championship season wasn’t one that was worth taking.
Firpo wasn’t the only Leeds ace who wasn’t allowed to participate in the Olympic Games as Mateo Joseph was also denied the chance to take part [Joe Donnohue, 17 June].
Firpo and Joseph have now both seemingly cemented their spots in Daniel Farke’s starting XI and have helped the club get off to a stellar start.
Should the left-back’s performances carry on as they are, it’s hard to see how the likes of new arrival Isaac Schmidt would get in over the former Barcelona man any time soon.
In other Leeds news, an injury update has been shared for Dan James.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.