Leeds United goalkeeper Joel Robles has confirmed that he is leaving the West Yorkshire club this summer after being released last month.
The 33-year-old stopper – alongside midfielder Adam Forshaw – was not offered a contract extension by the Whites but was invited to participate in pre-season training under new boss Daniel Farke.
Robles joined Leeds last summer from Real Betis on a free transfer as a back-up to regular keeper Illan Meslier. As the Frenchman’s form suffered towards the end of the season, however, he found himself replaced by Robles – a decision made by interim head coach Sam Allardyce in a bid to keep Leeds in the Premier League.
Allardyce was unable to repeat his famed ‘great escape’ act and the Whites were relegated despite Robles’ efforts between the sticks, a situation which the former Everton stopper says left him with a “bitter taste”.
These were sentiments expressed in a statement released by Robles on Instagram this evening as he confirmed his Elland Road exit:
“The time has come to say goodbye. It’s never easy to leave a club that has treated me so well and where I have enjoyed Premier League football again.
“I want to thank all my team-mates, [the] staff, [the] board and fans for the way you have made me feel since day one. I have truly felt at home.
“I leave with the bitter taste of not having managed to keep the team in the Premier League for another year, but I am convinced that this year, Leeds and its wonderful fans will return to the place they deserve.”
Robles’ departure leaves Meslier as Leeds’ only senior keeper amid reports that the Whites are interested in acquiring the services of Newcastle United Karl Darlow this summer.
