Andrea Radrizzani has paid special tribute to Gaetano Berardi following the Leeds United defender's devastating knee injury which will leave him sidelined for nine months.
Berardi signed a short-term extension to his Leeds contract last month to ensure he could see out the delayed season run-in, despite his original deal expiring at the end of June.
The Swiss turned in a superb performance in the tense 1-0 win over Barnsley, 24 hours before Leeds' promotion was confirmed, but he would suffer an ACL tear against Derby County, as he turned out again for the Whites, who had by that point already secured the title.
His worst fears were confirmed when he was ruled out for nine months, leaving his career in limbo, with his short-term extension at Elland Road about to expire.
In a glorious week for the club, this serious injury to Leeds' longest-serving player, has been the only negative and Radrizzani was quick to pay tribute to the 31-year-old at the start of the club's end-of-season awards ceremony on Thursday evening, promising to stand by him.
"As you know, Gaetano has been here for six years," the Italian said at the Elland Road bash. "Last week he got a bad injury so we don't know what's going on his in life, but we've prepared something to remind him he's Leeds, he's one of us whatever decision he will take.
"He knows he can count on me and I think you as well. Gaetano, thank you for your commitment."
A highlight reel of Berardi's best moments was then shown to the room of players and staff in Elland Road's Centenary Pavilion and included a glowing reference from United old boy Tony Dorigo.
"When Berardi plays we don't concede goals and we win games," he said.
Berardi has made more than 150 appearances for the club since his arrival in the summer of 2014.
