Leeds star reveals why signing new long-term deal is so special

Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has revealed his reasoning behind signing a new four-year deal at Elland Road.

The 28-year-old right-back has penned a deal that has seen him commit his future to the club until the summer of 2023.

Ayling has become the fourth first-team Leeds star to agree fresh terms with the club since the start of the campaign and is delighted to be staying with Leeds.

He told LUTV: “It’s great and I’m really happy to sign on.

“Over the last few years and since I signed, I feel like we have been taking steps forward to where we are now, being the biggest club in the Championship and hopefully pushing back on into the Premier League.

“It’s always nice to see the boys get long deals, they all did really well last year and the club have noticed that.

“It shows the club is backing us as players and as a team, so it has been brilliant to see everyone get their new deals.

Read more: Marcelo Bielsa made light of Leeds’ decision to switch to a three-man defence against Charlton on Saturday, insisting his players must be able to adapt to different formations when required.

“I’m sure there are still a few more to come, but I am buzzing I was the next in line.

“My family love it here, this is home for us now, so to sign another long deal to take me to 32 is a really nice feeling.”

Ayling, who is yet to feature this season after ankle surgery over the summer, also spoke about his short-term aims.

He added: “Now it is all about trying to get back out onto the pitch and helping the lads.

“I need to get back fit and stay fit and hopefully help the boys out.

“The boys have started really well, so I know I’m going to have to wait my turn to get back into the team, but I’ll be there waiting and be delighted to get called upon and do my best.

“As a team it is about building on last year, we had a great year last year, we fell a bit short, but we have added good players this year and we have started really well.

“I know the last few games hasn’t been the best, but I still feel like we are still playing some really good football.”

 

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