'I am sure we will like each other' - Melvin Bard's first words as Leeds United player after deadline day move
Melvin Bard has spoken following his deadline day loan move to Leeds United
Melvin Bard has fulfilled a childhood dream by making a move to the Premier League with Leeds United.
The 25-year-old has arrived at Elland Road on a season-long loan deal, departing Nice in his native France for pastures new in England.
A left-back by trade, Bard has arrived to compete with Gabriel Gudmundsson for minutes in the left-back department in LS11.
Melvin Bard’s Premier League dream
After putting pen to paper on a loan deal containing a buy obligation clause, Bard told LUTV: “Playing in the Premier League has always been a dream of mine, ever since I was a child.
“And when the opportunity came, I seized it immediately. I was made aware of the interest from Leeds a couple days back but everything started to happen really quickly yesterday.
“[I am] super happy to be here. I can’t wait to discover the city, the stadium, my teammates as well, and to start playing in front of the fans.
“Leeds is a historic club in the Premier League so it was an easy choice. Leeds has a great history which makes the club an attractive one.
“And the fans, the atmosphere – there are many players that told me that it was hard to play in Elland Road Stadium. So, all of this is why I am very happy to be here and what I know about the club and the squad.”
Melvin Bard’s Leeds United ambition
Bard will have a battle for minutes on his hands as Gudmundsson is among manager Daniel Farke’s most trusted lieutanents.
However, the former France youth international is hoping to establish himself in the starting XI.
He said: “I would describe myself as someone who never gives up as a player. I am a defender and I love to defend. I love to attack as well, of course. But to sum it up, I would just say I like the fight and I never give up.
“The target for me is to play as much as possible, starting games and helping the team as much as possible to reach the targets.
“I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and to see for myself this world-famous atmosphere. And I am sure we will like each other.”
Bard was followed through the door in LS11 by speedy winger Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, who joined the Whites on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in the dying embers of the window.