Darko Gyabi lifts lid on 'exciting times' at Hull City and his Leeds United and Manchester City education
Hull City midfielder Darko Gyabi could perhaps be forgiven for not speaking glowingly about his time at Leeds United.
Over the course of three years at Elland Road, Gyabi was afforded just five senior outings. A reported £5m was paid to Manchester City for his services in 2022, yet opportunities proved limited.
After two loan spells at Plymouth Argyle, the 21-year-old was allowed to join Hull on a free transfer in the summer.
He has since racked up 14 league appearances, helping the Tigers ascend into the top half of the Championship table.
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Leeds United learning
In an interview with American outlet RG, Gyabi has spoken fondly of his time at Leeds despite his lack of action.
He said: “Obviously, there were other teams in Europe that I could have went to, but I was excited to go to Leeds.
“I wanted to stay in England, so I was excited for the opportunity and to be around a first-team dressing room and train with Premier League players.
“Going to Leeds was good for me because I was around the first team. Leeds gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League and make my FA Cup debut, so I really learned a lot from the players that were there, just learning how first-team football works.
“Leeds giving me the opportunity to play in games at a high level helped me a lot with my understanding of the men's game, but going to Plymouth was also very helpful for me.”
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Hull City move
His West Yorkshire experience may have been useful, but a permanent move away appeared a logical step.
Just as he did in Leeds, Gyabi is looking to be a sponge and soak up information from those around him.
The midfielder said: “It was good being at Leeds, I really enjoyed my time there, but when I spoke to Hull, the idea behind the club and how they saw me fitted what I wanted from the next chapter of my football career, so it was just based off that and also being able to get a fresh start and fight for something with a different team and push forward.
“I've enjoyed my time at Hull so far, and I think the team and the players and the staff members are very helpful.
“It feels like I've been here for longer than I have, I've adapted, and I'm just continuing to learn from all of those guys. It’s very exciting times, and I just want to continue to improve and work and learn from the staff members and everybody in that club as much as possible.”
Manchester City education
Gyabi cut his teeth with Cray Wanderers and Millwall but it was at Manchester City that he finished his academy education. As far as learning environments go, it was not exactly a bad one.
He said: “I think the good thing about Man City is the development of the players. You get taught to be really comfortable on the ball under pressure.
“You play against the best players in training every day, and the level of competition makes you improve, so I think that's why there are so many players playing at a high level from different clubs."