Leeds United: Pascal Struijk and Wilfried Gnonto react to emotional Illan Meslier message
Leeds United stars Pascal Struijk and Wilfried Gnonto are among the players to have reacted to Illan Meslier's emotional goodbye message.
The Frenchman's departure was confirmed earlier this week when the Whites revealed their retained list.
The 26-year-old leaves Elland Road on a free transfer having suffered a stunning fall from grace in recent years.
He went from being the starting goalkeeper in the Championship to not playing a single minute in the 2025-26 season.
His departure was expected, but it is still an emotional one, consider he has been at the LS11 club since 2019.
It is the end of an era, and the reaction for teammates past and present shows how much he will be missed.
What did Illan Meslier say about Leeds United exit?
Meslier took to social media on Friday to share his feelings on the departure with an emotional message.
He said: "I just wanted to take a moment to send this farewell message to every single Leeds United fan.
"When I arrived at this club in 2019 as a 19-year-old kid, I had no idea what was ahead of me. What I found was a club like no other, a fanbase with a passion that is truly unmatched, and a place that has shaped me into the goalkeeper and the man I am today.
"I would like to thank all the coaching staff, medical staff and players who have been part of this journey. And also the people at the stadium and the training ground who have been amazing with me from day one to the last day.
"After seven years, the time has come to take on a new challenge and step into a new chapter of my career. Leeds will never leave me. This city, this club, this shirt ; it’s part of who I am now and always will be.
"Thank you for everything. Marching On Together, always."
Struijk led the tributes, commenting on the post with: "It was a pleasure."
Gnonto kept it simple with his response, saying: "Legend"
Former Leeds star Stuart Dallas, who played 82 times with Meslier, said: "Absolute pleasure. Amazing times together. Best wishes for whatever is next."
The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach, Harry Gray and Crysencio Summerville all liked the message from the departing star.
Why Meslier's legacy cannot be questioned
Meslier made 215 appearances for the Whites in all competitions and he played a key part in a couple of milestones.
He helped them to get promoted in the 2019-20 season, and played a key part as Marcelo Bielsa' side finished ninth upon their return to the top-flight.
He would do the same in the 2024-25 season, making 39 league appearances in that campaign before being dropped for Karl Darlow.
While he has not played recently, he was probably still a big figure in the dressing room, and his previous contributions will not be forgotten.
He had a big role in the Whites' history, and many supporters will wish him the best for his future endeavours.
The amount of message from teammates, whether current or past shows exactly how important he was over the years, and why the past year and a bit can't be held against him, in terms of his Peacocks legacy.
No matter what, he will go down in the history books for the Thorp Arch side.