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Isaac Johnson

‘My biggest dream’ - Gaetano Berardi speaks out for first time since Leeds United exit

Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, 19 February.

Berardi reflects on time at Leeds

Former Leeds defender Gaetano Berardi has spoken about achieving his “biggest dream” for the club during his time at Elland Road, after departing in the summer.

The 33-year-old played 157 matches for the Whites between 2014 and 2021 before leaving on a free to current Swiss employers Sion.

He helped Leeds earn promotion to the Premier League but played a bit-part in Marcelo Bielsa’s plans once in the top-flight.

But playing regularly in England’s highest division was seemingly not a goal of Berardi anyway.

“My dream was to take the team to the Premier League,” he told The Square Ball.

“It was never to play in the Premier League, it was just to take the club there.

"That was my biggest dream. We did it and I was there. It was the biggest gift in my career.”

Berardi described leaving Leeds as difficult, explaining: “I spoke with the club and with the coach and told them that it was my decision, so it was hard.”

He added: “It was like leaving a lot of friends and good players. It was a big part of my life but Leeds is still there for us, we know we can come back when we want.

“It was just a decision we wanted to take for our lives and my career as well.”

Positive Dallas injury update

Stuart Dallas has been pictured in Leeds training this week being after forced off within 10 minutes against Everton.

Talk this week has suggested that his availability for this weekend’s clash with Manchester United is touch-and-go.

His presence at training has come as a welcome relief for Whites fans but it is still questionable whether he will feature against the Red Devils.

In Friday morning’s press conference, Bielsa said: “Dallas is recovering, he hasn't been discarded from Sunday's game.”

Read the full story here.

Man United suffer double injury blow

United will likely be without the services of Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic ahead of their trip to Elland Road on Sunday.

The former is still making his way back from a groin problem and has reportedly been experiencing stomach problems.

Meanwhile, Matic is suffering from a shinbone knock.

Red Devils interim boss Ralf Rangnick told a pre-match press conference: “Matic is back in training for the first time in a while, might not be available for Leeds but he's back.

“As it seems, Edinson Cavani will still be out.”

Read the full story here.

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