Pontus Jansson explains Leeds exit and issues fond farewell
New Brentford signing Pontus Jansson has issued a fond farewell to Leeds, and admitted “it has not been easy with (Marcelo) Bielsa”.
The Swedish centre-back wrapped up a £5.5million transfer, plus add-ons, on Monday night and has issued a statement thanking Leeds and his Elland Road team-mates for his time in West Yorkshire.
The 28-year-old has though hinted at a difference of opinion with Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa accelerated his departure, in an interview with Swedish outlet Aftonbladet.
“I always liked having a close relationship with my trainer. As I had with Rolle Nilsson or Rikard Norling for example. It has not been as easy with Bielsa and there the language is a cause,” Jansson is reported to have said.
“I keep Bielsa high, as one of the absolute best coaches I have had. He is special, believes hard on his ideas and I have learned a lot with him as a coach.”
The paper claim “clubs like Toulouse, Fenerbahce, Celta Vigo and Mainz” were all interested in taking Jansson, who joined Leeds from Italian side Torino, initially on loan, in the summer of 2016.
Jansson though says he wanted to stay in England and is still desperate to play in the Premiert League.
“I told Martin (Dahlin – his agent) that I wanted to be in England when it became this situation. There have been several flattering suggestions from different clubs, but I enjoy it and have made a good name in this country,” said Jansson.
“My ambition is to play in the Premier League, but I also do not want to wait for the right club from the Premier League to appear later this summer and risk losing this chance.
” I felt early on that Brentford was the right choice for me. It is a carefully thought out choice.
Welcome @PJansson5 https://t.co/XD12JOipwr#BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/ylUDRSOT1Q
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 8, 2019
“I have talked to people in the management who have given a very good impression. The club is investing heavily and wants to the Premier League. They build a new stadium and I immediately got a good contact with the coach Thomas Frank (from Denmark). He sees an important role for me in the team, a leader for the younger players.”
The Swedish outlet claim Jansson, who has signed a three-year deal at Griffin Park, plus the option of a further 12 months, has agreed a deal worth around £30,000 a week.
Jansson has also posted on Twitter a farewell message to Leeds and said “Leeds will always be part of me” after that he “loved” playing for the club.
Let’s do this! 🙌🔝 @BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/lCFpIjPcE1
— Pontus Jansson (@PJansson5) July 9, 2019