Ben White has paid tribute to Leeds United after signing a new contract at Brighton & Hove Albion.
The defender was a key figure in the Whites' promotion campaign last season and many were keen to see him return to Elland Road on a permanent basis.
Yet Brighton held firm after interest from the Whites and have managed to tie the 22-year-old to a new four-year deal.
Speaking to Brighton's media team, White said his year at Leeds will hold special memories for him and that the fans had a huge part to play in the form he showed whilst on loan.
He said: "It was an amazing year for me.
"The fans took me in like one of their own and they deserve a massive thank you because without them I wouldn't have been able to perform how I did last season."
After being crowned Championship champions, White says he will always hold a soft spot in his heart towards Leeds.
White also said the squad he won promotion with will always have a place in his heart.
He said: "Of course I will.
"We've been through a lot, that season.
"It's the best time of my life, winning a trophy, so they'll always be in my heart, the players and staff that were there."
White has retained close links with his former Leeds teammates.
The Poole-born former Southampton youth player previously congratulated Kalvin Phillips on social media after the Leeds midfielder won his debut call-up to the England squad.
