Perhaps it was inevitable that Leeds United would get at least some sort of mention when Pontus Jansson fronted up to the Sky Sports cameras following his Brentford side's promotion yesterday afternoon.
Jansson was quizzed about the Bees' 2-0 win over Swansea City but, fairly unprompted, chose to discuss Marcelo Bielsa's role in how Brentford have improved as a team and his relationship with the Argentinian following his controversial exit from Elland Road two seasons ago.
Jansson’s refusal to report back on time for pre-season training was cited as the reason for triggering his abrupt departure, with Bielsa opting to sell the player for what at the time seemed a paltry £5.5m for a player who had been so integral defensively.
The success of Ben White's loan spell allowed Leeds to move on swiftly from their previous defensive cornerstone and the subsequent arrivals of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente since promotion have completed the sea change in United's backline.
Jansson's departure has ultimately proved a move that has suited all parties. The feeling that he had become a disruptive influence who could have undermined what Bielsa set out to achieve with Leeds had become a stick to beat the Swede with but all should be forgotten now.
Thomas Frank's side were deserving winners on the day and Jansson feels Brentford have all the hallmarks of a Bielsa team given he was permitted to help try and bring some of what he had learned under his former mentor to the Bees.
The interview thrilled supporters, most of whom have continued to bill Jansson as very much a fans' favourite despite how his departure came about and he ensured that legacy would last with his praise for the manager, the supporters and the club generally.
"I am so thankful to [Marcelo] Bielsa and what he gave me at Leeds. He gave me so much knowledge that I actually brought here to Brentford," he told reporters in the immediate aftermath of Brentford's victory.
"Brentford were so willing to listen to me with the ideas I took from Bielsa, so I thank him a lot. Bielsa for me is one of the best coaches in the world.
"People think our relationship is not the best but it's very good. I am so thankful to him. I love Brentford so much but thanks to him and Leeds.
"I think the difference this year to last year - a lot of Leeds fans were against me [last year]... but this year so many Leeds fans have been with me and Brentford.
"Probably because they are already there [the Premier League] and want me to come and join them. I love Leeds. Brentford knows I love Leeds. They are one of the favourite clubs I have."
It should not be forgotten that on his one and only visit to Elland Road since leaving back in August 2019, he was subjected to a smattering of boos from the home crowd upon his return. Leeds' promotion that season ensured he would not have a follow-up meeting in the season just gone.
What is your view on Pontus Jansson and how he should be remembered for his time at Leeds United? Let us know in the comments below.
It was not the way Jansson would have envisaged saying farewell to fans who used to call him their own and there have been regular reminders since United's promotion of what he has missed out on being a part of, even if it should be stated that was reflective of a minority of the fanbase.
That all changed with yesterday's result and he can realise the same Premier League aspirations United players have this season when the Bees line up in the top flight for the first time in 74 years next season.
And his next return to Elland Road should be greeted by a more universal appreciation from the home crowd.
