Georginio Rutter had joined Leeds United on a club record fee in January 2023. Despite joining on a five-and-a-half-year contract he left at the end of 2024 after the club failed to secure a promotion to the Premier League.
Brighton triggered his release clause and the player left for the south coast of England. The reported fee of £40 million also happened to be a club record for the Seagulls.
And now after a season, the Frenchman will have his reunion with the Whites.
Rutter’s tribute to Leeds United
During his time at Leeds he showcased his love for horses and horseracing. He even owned a horse named Bopedro. His love for the animal was for all to see on social media.
Even after shifting down south he has continued with his love affair. Rutter is a proud owner of ‘Brighlee’. A clear mixture of the two clubs he has represented in England. Brighton and Leeds.
“When I came to England, I see horses everywhere. I call her Brighlee because I was signing for Brighton, so I say Brighlee, Brighton, and Leeds, Brighlee. So it’s Brighton, Leeds.”, Rutter explained to the Great British Racing.
“I care a lot about my horses and she’s doing very great, so I’m happy, but twice second”, revealing how his horse has come second in a couple of races.
Not the first footballer to love horses
Rutter is certainly not the first player or manager to have a love for horse. Sir Alex Ferguson, the former Manchester United is a known horse lover. His horses have even entered notable races. Former England international Michael Owen is also a notable name on that list.
“It’s too addictive. It’s hard to win a race. Before, I didn’t know. When you come to horses, you think ‘for sure, I’m going to win one’. But it’s very hard”, stating the rigours of the sport.
“When you win one, the emotion, I can’t explain it.”
Rutter will be meeting his old mates on Saturday as Brighton welcome Leeds to the American Express Stadium.
