Pierre-Michel Lasogga did not divulge to his Leeds United teammates that he became a father less than 24 hours before their 3-2 win against Ipswich on Saturday.
Lasogga’s baby daughter was born in his native Germany on Friday night and he travelled back to his homeland on Saturday night after scoring against the Tractor Boys.
Leeds travel to high-flying Cardiff City on Tuesday and Lasogga is needed to lead the line.
“Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful daughter @Lasogga10 hurry back for Tuesday,” a message from the club’s Twitter account read.
Manager Thomas Christiansen revealed at his media briefing on Monday that Lasogga had kept his daughter’s birth a secret before kick-off at Elland Road on Saturday, and both he and the players were unaware that the summer signing had become a father on Friday night.
Christiansen explained, as quoted on the personal Twitter account of Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay, that there was no question of the striker, 25, missing either the Ipswich or Cardiff matches.
“He’s been very professional. He’s not the sort of person to ask permission (to miss a game),” Christiansen said.
Christiansen says he and the players were unaware that Lasogga had become a dad last week. Kept it quiet before kick-off. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) September 25, 2017
Christiansen on Lasogga: “He’s been very professional. He’s not the sort of person to ask permission (to miss a game).” #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) September 25, 2017
Leeds are top of the Championship ahead of their trip to third-placed Cardiff, although the two sides are separated only by goal difference.
OPINION
Lasogga has firmly established himself as a cult figure among supporters since his deadline day arrival on a season-long loan from Hamburg. With three goals from four matches, he looks the real deal on the pitch. Fans will also be heartened to hear of his commitment to the cause, and willingness to skip the birth of his first child to spearhead the attack for his new employers hours later. Stories from Germany had claimed Lasogga was a difficult character before his arrival, who required delicate management. Actions speak louder than words, and the signs so far are very good from the perspective of the early Championship pacesetters.