After signing a new long term deal at Elland Road, Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto has promised to improve as a player.
The Italian forward joined the club in 2020 for a fee around €4.5million from Swiss Super League side FC Zurich. Since then, Gnonto has gone on to make over 60 appearances for the club in all competitions. The 20-year old also became a regular at international level for Italy during his time at the club. Gnonto also became the youngest scorer for Italy, after scoring against Germany in a UEFA Nations League qualifier at 18-years-old.
Wilfried Gnonto puts questions about loyalty to bed
Since last summer, the 20-year old Italian had been linked with a move away from Elland Road. After Leeds were relegated from the Premier League, a host of players at the club were considering leaving the club. Gnonto was linked with a move to Everton during that time, as well as a move back to Serie A.
Now, the forward has signed a four-year extension, showing his commitment to the club. Gnonto was delighted after signing his new contract:
“It feels really good. I’m really happy for this extension. I’m really happy to be here and obviously I can’t wait to play in front of the fans again,”
“I’ve been here two years now and I’m going into my third season, I’m really happy to be here.
“It’s been, since the start, I can say my second home. I really enjoyed being here and with the ambition in the club, I see my future here.
“I feel like it’s important for me to find some consistency and I feel like the right place to do it this year. So I’m really happy and I can’t wait to keep going with it.”
Italian forward wants to become a better player
Wilfried Gnonto scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists last season, and was a very productive option off the bench under Daniel Farke. The forward now believes he can improve and hit higher heights after signing his new contract. Gnonto mentioned one of the reasons he stayed was because he felt Leeds United was his second home:
“Since the start, I felt like Leeds United was like a family.
“I felt at home since the start and the fans were with me. My teammates helped me through the start.
“I have many teammates, many changes, but I feel like this is a good place to be and I feel like I can improve even more.
“I feel like I can bring many things to the table. I know my qualities, of course and I know my character, I feel like I can gel really well with the team.
“So I try to give my best every time and I feel like everyone can see it.”
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke mentioned that Gnonto had the potential to be a key player for the club this season after the departure of the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.
