Luke Ayling told the GoalMouth Podcast about how the ‘quiet’ Gaetano Berardi changes when he goes onto the pitch with Leeds United.
The 32-year-old has finally overcome an ACL injury that kept him out of action for nearly a year and was spotted in training recently.
When Berardi is on the pitch, his passion, desire and willingness to win comes through, hence why he is such a popular figure with the supporters.
Ayling was asked who he would like to have as a WWE tag-team partner within the Leeds dressing room and he didn’t hesitate in putting Berardi’s name forward.
“He hasn’t played this season because he had a cruciate at the end of last season,” said Ayling.
“But I think he’s probably been sent off about six or seven times in four years.
“The nicest guy. Quiet around the place and just passive. But then, once he goes over that white line. He just runs into people. Tackles people.
“There’s one picture with blood streaming down his face. He looks real angry, so it’s definitely Berardi.”
It will be interesting to see if Berardi returns to action for Leeds this season because they could do with his services at fullback.
On one hand, the last thing a player returning from a long-term injury needs is a Marcelo Bielsa training session, but then again, it’s perfect for him to get back in full flow.
With the Government allowing supporters back into stadiums for the final day of the Premier League campaign, it might just be the perfect opportunity for Berardi to feature for his side, and that potentially for the last time.
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