Pablo Hernandez may have left Leeds United this summer, but the creative midfielder has been hailed as a club legend by former defender Jon Newsome.
Hernandez has departed despite having a year remaining on his Elland Road deal.
The Spaniard, who made a permanent move to Leeds in 2017, played a key role as Marcelo Bielsa ended the club’s 16-year wait to return to the Premier League.
Is Pablo Hernandez a Leeds legend?
Yes
No
Hernandez has since joined boyhood club CD Castellon on a three-year deal having seen his opportunities limited following Leeds’ return to the top flight last season.
The former Swansea City man, 36, made just 17 first-team appearances as the Yorkshire club finished comfortably in mid-table.
But Newsome has hailed the impact Hernandez had at Elland Road and insists he will always be well-regarded among the Leeds fanbase.
However, he admits a lack of action will have helped Hernandez in deciding to return to his homeland this summer.
Speaking exclusively to TIF, Newsome said: “He was frustrated with the lack of football he had last season and that’s probably been a contributing factor to him leaving.
“He comes across as the kind of guy who, although he was disappointed, was delighted that the football club is heading in the right direction.
“He is a real legend of the football club and will, no doubt, be welcomed back with open arms in the future. He’s really left his mark on the people of Leeds United.”