Rodrigo claims Leeds are ‘elite club’ at level of Valencia
Rodrigo has said that he joined Leeds United because it’s “an elite club” and that he was impressed with the club’s vision for the future.
The Spain international joined for a club-record fee of £27m in the summer from Valencia.
And Rodrigo said that he didn’t see it as a step-down, despite Leeds being out of the top-flight for 16 years before promotion last season.
Talking to Spanish publication as, Rodrigo said, “The Premier League is very attractive for its sporting and economic potential.
“Also, Leeds is a landmark. In terms of structure and infrastructure, it is an elite club at the level of other clubs I have played at (Benfica or Valencia).
“In addition to this, my decision was influenced by the project they presented to me. Leeds have approached their promotion as a new cycle at the club.”
Leeds fans will love what Rodrigo has said.
Valencia and Benfica are regular Champions League sides and that’s what Leeds are aiming for in the next few years.
This vision was enough to bring Rodrigo, a full Spain international, to the club and it bodes well in terms of attracting other big names in the summer.
Rodrigo has shown flashes of what he’s capable of at Leeds but he’s not had the best season.
Just as he was finding his feet at Leeds he suffered from a bout of Covid followed by an injury.
He’s still far from match fitness or ‘Bielsa fitness’ after getting subbed as a sub in the game against Chelsea on Saturday.
He might have a big role to play on Friday, though.
Patrick Bamford limped off with a dead leg and is a doubt for the game against Fulham. If he was ruled out then either Tyler Roberts or Rodrigo would be obvious replacements.
In other Leeds United news, Noel Whelan: Leeds big-money star not happy ‘at all’ after Chelsea clash