Ethan Ampadu has finally broken his silence on social media following Leeds United’s defeat in the play-off final against Southampton at Wembley, telling fans they “will be back”.
Ampadu, 23, played pretty much every single minute for Leeds in his first season at Elland Road following his £10m move from Chelsea last summer. It has seen him already clock up 54 appearances for the club.
Not only that, but Ampadu also played seven times for Wales including all 120 minutes in the penalty-shootout Euro 2024 play-off defeat to Poland. He is set to captain Wales in two friendlies this week.
The versatile former Leipzig and Sheffield United loanee has been immense at the back for the Yorkshire side. So when the full-time whistle arrived at Wembley on May 26, you could see just how much it meant.
A handful of players shed tears in front of the Leeds fans and Ampadu was one of those, having worn the armband during the second half of the season. Now, he has sent a message to Leeds fans on Instagram.
Ampadu sends message to Leeds fans after a play-off final defeat
The Leeds mainstay hardly put a foot wrong all season and ironically, the one glaring mistake he did make was in the 4-0 win over Norwich in the play-off semi-finals and was bailed out by Illan Meslier.
He told Leeds fans on social media that Leeds will return to the forefront of the Championship promotion run in next season and thanked the club’s fans for their ferocious support during the 2023-24 campaign.
He said: “We will be back. Gutted to end it like that but massive thank you for all your support this season. See you next season.”
Pundit predicted exit for Ampadu but post confirms he is staying
Immediately after the defeat to Southampton in which Adam Armstrong scored the only goal of the game, former Leeds man Jon Newsome predicted the exit of five players including on-loan Joe Rodon.
Newsome also said that Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto would go, while Dan James could go to Southampton. He also claimed there would be interest in Ampadu, who could become Leeds captain.
But his post will come as music to Leeds fans’ ears, telling fans he will “see you next season”, ending any doubts as to his future. Ampadu is the front runner to replace Liam Cooper as the club’s captain.