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‘Thought I’d never get back’: Leeds first-teamer makes brutally honest claim

Photo by Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images
Photo by Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images
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LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City shakes hands with Luke Ayling of Leeds United following the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on October 03, 2020 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images

Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has honestly told Soccer AM on Sky Sports (10/10/20 at 11:40 am) that he ‘never’ thought he would be playing Premier League football again.

A decade ago, Ayling was in North London wearing the red and white colours of Arsenal and trying to break into a team led by Arsene Wenger.

It didn’t work out for Ayling, who dropped down divisions and ended up at Yeovil Town before that path led him to Leeds United.

Now at, 29, Ayling finds himself back amongst the best once again and he openly admitted that he never thought this day would come around again.

“Absolutely love it [in the Premier League],” Ayling told Sky Sports.”For me, it was my dream to play there and I certainly have gone the long way around.

“I went to Yeovil and thought I would never get back there. But I am loving every minute of it.

“The first four games to play the two best teams in the league and to hold our own and get a point. Maybe should have got two from those two games. No, it’s brilliant.”

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Luke Ayling of Leeds United warms up prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Leeds United at Bramall Lane on September 27, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Ayling hasn’t just returned to the Premier League to make up the numbers, he has returned back with a bang.

His performances on the right-hand side have been exceptional, especially against Liverpool and Manchester City.

In both those matches, it could be argued that he was Leeds’ best player and whilst Ayling’s return to the big time was 10 years in the making, he sure is making use of it now.