'A club like no other' - Illan Meslier shares poignant farewell message as he departs Leeds United
Illan Meslier shares poignant farewell message as he departs Leeds United
Illan Meslier has shared a poignant farewell message following confirmation of his Leeds United departure.
The 26-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of the month and he is free to seek pastures new as a free agent.
He is leaving Leeds after amassing 215 appearances over the course of seven years, during which he lifted the Championship trophy twice.
Illan Meslier’s farewell message
Posting on Instagram, he said: “I just wanted to take a moment to send this farewell message to every single Leeds United fan. When I arrived at this club in 2019 as a 19-year-old kid, I had no idea what was ahead of me.
“What I found was a club like no other, a fanbase with a passion that is truly unmatched, and a place that has shaped me into the goalkeeper and the man I am today.
“I would like to thank all the coaching staff, medical staff and players who have been part of this journey. And also the people at the stadium and the training ground who have been amazing with me from day one to the last day.
“After seven years, the time has come to take on a new challenge and step into a new chapter of my career. Leeds will never leave me. This city, this club, this shirt ; it’s part of who I am now and always will be. Thank you for everything. Marching On Together, always.”
Tributes from Leeds United teammates
Leeds teammates of past and present have responded with warm messages, wishing Meslier well for his next chapter.
Former Whites defender Luke Ayling, now of Middlesbrough, said: “Be very proud of what you did at our club. You're a top top player and even better person my friend. All the best in the future.”
The now-retired Stuart Dallas, meanwhile, said: “Absolute pleasure. Amazing times together. Best wishes for whatever is next.”
Wilfried Gnonto simply responded: “Legend.”
Illan Meslier’s time at Leeds United
Meslier initially joined Leeds on loan from Lorient as a teenager back in the summer of 2019. He eventually dislodged Kiko Casilla, establishing himself as Marcelo Bielsa’s number one.
The Frenchman grew into one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers, but his form nosedived as Leeds’ Premier League struggles intensified.
He was dropped for the final four games of the 2023/24 season, watching from the bench as Leeds had their relegation confirmed. The appointment of Daniel Farke as manager saw Meslier return to the starting XI, although a series of blunders pushed him below Karl Darlow in the pecking order last year.
A comeback did not materialise and Meslier is moving on having failed to make a single senior appearance during the 2025/26 campaign.
In the statement confrming his exit, Leeds said: “Throughout Meslier's time in West Yorkshire, he has remained a strong teammate and a constant competitor on the pitch.
“Thank you, Illan, everyone at Leeds United wishes you all the best with your next steps and future career.”