Manager Garry Monk has looked back on at his time Leeds United after sealing a move to rivals Middlesbrough and revealed: “I loved it”.
The 38-year-old handed in his resignation at Elland Road last month after just one-year in charge of the club, having led them to a seventh-place finish in the Championship.
Monk’s decision came as a great shock to Leeds fans, with the much-loved chief having been in talks with United owner Andrea Radrizzani over an extended deal at the club.
However, after spending little time out of the managerial loop, Monk sealed a swift return with Championship newcomers Middlesbrough, following their relegation from the Premier League.
He was appointed as the new manager at the Riverside on Friday, but was officially unveiled at a media conference on Monday morning, where he spoke fondly of his experience as Leeds manager in a three-word verdict.
As quoted by BBC Sport journalist Adam Pope on his personal Twitter account, he said: “I loved it.”
But Monk also offered further reasoning for his decision to quit Leeds, perhaps in an attempt to rebuild his broken relationship with the Leeds fans after they were left devastated by his departure.
He added: “My only thought was to be at Leeds but after discussions things weren’t aligned for me to be able to do my best.”
GM on #lufc :"I loved it. My only thought was to be at Leeds but after discussions things weren't aligned for me to be able to do my best."
— Adam Pope (@apopey) June 12, 2017
Such a relationship matters little now he will be taking charge of one of the divisional and promotion rivals, but he appears determined to ensure he leaves on the best possible terms.
Monk was out of contract at Leeds this summer, but the club had made their intentions clear to offer him a fresh deal, but it was reported that Radrizzani only had another 12-month extension in mind.
However, it was later revealed by the club that Monk simply had no intention to discuss fresh terms, when they announced his departure on their official website.