£5.5m exit admits he misses Leeds United

Brentford central defender Pontus Jansson has sent an emotional message to Leeds United on Instagram.

Jansson joined Leeds initially on loan from Torino in 2016 and made the deal permanent in 2017.

The Sweden international central defender established himself as a key player for the Whites and was hugely popular among the Elland Road faithful.

The 28-year-old centre-back left Leeds for Championship rivals Brentford in the summer transfer window for a fee reported by The Yorkshire Post to be worth £5.5 million.

With 2019 coming to a close, Jansson has reflected on the past year, and has looked back on his time at Leeds in a positive light.

View this post on Instagram

Another emotional year in my career. Started 2019 so good and were so close to the dream we all had. Never really been to open with my feelings but thanks for the fantastic year we had last year in Leeds, me and everyone around me will never forget it. Even though I’m still in the same league as you, I miss you all, specially the players and staff! ❤️ Even though it was a sad end i am the happiest man now here in Brentford. We are on a journey that can go really far and it has made me grow a lot as a player and as a person those months here! We should never stop dreaming and I think 2020 will be unbelievable! Another fantastic year with the nationalteam and we are going to another tournament 2020, think we can make something special! And last out, thanks to MFF for the love I have for you. You are the best club in the world ❤️ And of course my wife and daughter you are my motivation through all this ❤️ Thanks 2019, and I wish you all a good 2020! ❤️

A post shared by Pontus Jansson (@pontusjansson.18) on Dec 31, 2019 at 1:29am PST

Promotion challenge

Both Leeds and Brentford are aiming to clinch promotion from the Championship to the Premier League at the end of the season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are at the top of the Championship table at the moment with 51 points from 25 matches, while Brentford are currently 40th in the standings with 40 points from 25 games.