Rasmus Kristensen reveals he was 'completely broken' after season at Leeds United
A former Leeds United defender has opened up on his difficult spell at Elland Road
Rasmus Kristensen has revealed he was “completely broken” after his maiden campaign on Leeds United’s books.
The 29-year-old arrived at Elland Road in the summer of 2022, making a move from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee in the region of £10m.
He was recruited to be Luke Ayling’s successor at right-back but the Denmark international struggled for consistency in West Yorkshire.
Leeds were relegated at the end his debut campaign and he spent the following two seasons out on loan before departing permanently.
Rasmus Kristensen on struggles at Leeds United
In an interview with Ajax Life, the defender has opened up on the difficulties he endured at Elland Road.
He said: “I suffered from stress and depression. After that season, I was completely broken. I always saw myself only as a footballer.
“When I walked through the city or sat in a restaurant, I worried about training or the next match. If you do that, you become mentally exhausted.”
Kristensen spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Roma before linking up with Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2024/25 campaign.
The latter signed him on a permanent basis in 2025 but he is now back in his native Denmark with FC Midtjylland.
Reflecting on his first temporary stint away from Leeds, Kristensen said: “Rome was beautiful, but as a footballer, I found no joy there. Wherever I played, I felt pressure. Football is a religion in Italy - even more so than in Leeds and Amsterdam.”
Back to enjoying the game
Kristensen now appears to be in a better place, enjoying his football in his homeland. He will face his former club Ajax tomorrow (November 5), when Midtjylland host the Dutch giants in the Europa Conference League.
He said: “Before, after a bad training session, I would think ‘f**k football’. Now, I can put things into perspective more easily when I get home. As a father, I enjoy the game more.
“My wife and I enjoyed having our family and friends close by again.”