Kalvin Phillips posts gushing tribute to Leeds United after £45m Manchester City move

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England international Kalvin Phillips has posted a gushing tribute to Leeds United after being unveiled as a Manchester City player.

The all-action midfielder has joined the Premier League champions on a six-year contract in a deal worth £45m.

The born and bred Leeds man, who has 23 caps for England, has been signed by Pep Guardiola following the departure of legendary Blues midfielder Fernandinho who has returned to Brazil

After making his debut for the Whites at the age of 17, Phillips went on to make 234 appearances for the Elland Road side and he played a crucial part in getting the West Yorkshire side back up to the big time.

But after Jesse Marsch’s side managed to beat the drop last season, the 26-year-old is embarking on a new chapter where he will be hoping to get his hands on major trophies.

The only trophy Phillips managed to get his hands on during his time with his beloved Leeds was the Championship trophy when Leeds clinched promotion back up to the top-flight under the influential Marcelo Bielsa.

Kalvin Phillips posts gushing tribute to Leeds United

Phillips wrote an open letter to Leeds and its fans after his move to the Etihad was confirmed, giving particular praise to ex-boss Bielsa.

“I cannot mention Leeds without mentioning one special person – Marcelo,” Phillips wrote.

“The best manager I have ever come across. He is the man that gave the club life, he gave the players and everyone involved in the club the belief we were good enough to return to the Premier League after 16 years.

“Not only did you give the club everything but you also gave me everything I needed to become the person I am today on and off the field.”

Manchester City’s new number four also reserved special praise for Marsch who he hailed as an “unbelievable” boss and an “even better person”.

Phillips added he hoped fans understood his decision to leave in order to “chase his dreams”, saying: “As a young kid I had so many dreams and still do… but playing for you was the one I will never forget”.