'Like a dream' - Wilfried Gnonto sends message to Leeds United diehards after hitting big milestone
Wilfried Gnonto says he “never dreamt” of reaching 100 appearances for Leeds United and has thanked fans for their support throughout his time at Elland Road.
The Italian, who is still only 21, became a Whites centurion when substituted on in the second half during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. It is quite the achievement for Gnonto, who handed in a transfer request in August 2023.
He later apologised for doing so and has started 47 of his 72 appearances under Daniel Farke, who was willing to give the winger “a second chance”. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Gnonto - who signed for Leeds in 2022 - published a message about achieving his milestone.
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He wrote: “100 appearances for @leedsunited [love-heart emojis]. I never dreamt I would play 100 games for this incredible club.
“Coming here felt like a dream for my family and I and having the chance to represent everyone affiliated to this club is always an honour and a big responsibility. Thank you to all my teammates, the fans and everyone at Leeds United for all the support and love I’ve received since the first day I arrived here.
“During the season it’s difficult to get time to look back and reflect as we focus on the games ahead but it’s amazing to see the memories so far and I look forward to making many more together.”
Speaking at Thorp Arch on Monday, manager Farke spoke highly of Gnonto. He said: “First of all congratulations to Willy. He has my trust and my backing. I don’t think there’s a winger or offensive player who has started more games than Willy Gnonto during the season, he has been involved in many starting line-ups.
“Overall, I am happy with his development as a person and as a player. He takes more responsibility. He is more mobile on the pitch and not static, much more likely and less predictable compared to last season. I like how he has developed as a player.”
