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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

James Milner pays tribute to Leeds as former stars celebrate promotion to Premier League

Leeds have ended their 16-year exodus from the Premier League after they were promoted from the Championship.

And former player James Milner has been quick to congratulate the club where he began his career.

The Liverpool star made his debut in 2002 with the Whites but left following their relegation to the second tier in 2004.

West Brom's defeat at Huddersfield means the Yorkshire outfit can no longer finish outside the top two

And Milner has been quick to congratulate the White on social media by saying: "Congratulations LUFC #backwhereyoubelong #MOT"

The 34-year-old, who won the Champions League with the Reds last summer, has been linked with a return to Elland Road.

Ex-Leeds winger Aaron Lennon tweeted: "Finally!!! Back in the Prem. Congrats @LUFC, What a day for everyone associated with the club and the city. Leeds Leeds Leeds.''

Former Leeds midfielder Vinnie Jones tweeted: "Congratulation to @LUFC a long 16 years but now back where they belong! Welldone all the players and coaching staf, Leeds will be bouncing tonight! I'm getting up there!'

Leeds' last win was against Barnsley 24 hours before West Brom's reverse sent them up.

The Whites were top of the Championship prior to lockdown but lost upon their return against Cardiff.

But since the resumption of the Championship Marcelo Bielsa's side have won five of their seven games.

Leeds will play on the top flight for the first time since 2004 (Greig Cowie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock)

The Argentine has been give huge amounts of credit for Leeds' rise having struggled to muster up a promotion push.

Leeds spent much of last season in the promotion places but were pipped by Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.

They then failed to progress past Derby in the play-off semi-finals losing 4-3 on aggregate.

Bielsa was linked with the exit door in the summer but opted to stay for a further year and has secured his ambition.

He is now set to lead Leeds into the Premier League where they will renew rivalries with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

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