Wilfried Gnonto has said that after Roberto Mancini once emphasised how youngsters should play at the highest level, he was ‘inspired’ to take a leap of faith and join Leeds United in the summer.
It’s safe to say that since signing for Jesse Marsch’s side for £3.8 million (The Daily Mail), his stock has reached an all-time high.
In some senses, Roberto Mancini has been proven right, as Wilfried Gnonto seems to be loving life in a Leeds shirt this season.
The Italian international, described as ‘brilliant’ by Jamie Beckford has been one of, if not the Whites’ standout performer so far this campaign.
The 19-year-old is the embodiment of the profile of winger that especially thrives in the Premier League in this day and age; blessed with quick feet, incredible athleticism and a willingness to run beyond defences.
Gnonto first made the headlines after coming on as a late substitute in a Nations League game against Germany and scoring off the bench on his debut.
However, Wilfried Gnonto was still an unknown commodity to a majority of football fans before he joined Leeds and set things alight, after being inspired by Roberto Mancini.
What Roberto Mancini said that inspired Wilfried Gnonto to join Leeds
Wilfried Gnonto said, as relayed by Leeds Live, “We’ve never spoken about it but his [Roberto Mancini] words on young players who need to play at a high level inspired my decision.”
“I don’t think a young player must go abroad to develop. The most important thing is to play and if there isn’t a possibility in Italy, it’s worth trying elsewhere.”
Well, Leeds United fans are expected to be grateful for Roberto Mancini, as Wilfried Gnonto is one of the only rays of hope at a club that have struggled for large parts this season.
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