An open letter to Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi

The nature of football is that quite often players come and go, and these departures are something you get very used to as a football fan. However, with two who have had such an incredible impact on our club, we felt the need to say a proper goodbye on behalf of the Trust and our members.

First of all, to Pablo “el Mago” Hernandez. Every time you have stepped out onto the pitch in a Leeds shirt, you have given us joy. Whether it be a patented nutmeg, a rocket from outside the box or a beautiful threaded through ball, a puff of the cheeks was all it took, and we were out of our seats.

You have given us so many moments we’ll never forget, but one comes to mind ahead of all others, and will be the memory that accompanies the name “Pablo Hernandez” in Leeds for the rest of time.

Of course, that is the goal against Swansea. That goal. The one where it all suddenly seemed to fall into place, and we finally dared to believe we were going back to the Premier League. Memorialised with our mural, which will forever be the crown jewel within the incredible legacy you have built here.

And to Gaetano “the Lion” Berardi. Among this group of players who accomplished such an incredible feat in winning us promotion, you are one of those who has been here the longest. And as such, you have experienced so much of the good and the bad that comes with our club. Throughout all the turbulence, the commitment you have displayed has been second to none. 

Both on and off the field, you have come to represent so many of the things that are special about Leeds United. Passion, loyalty, and the occasional crunching tackle will always be what comes to mind when we think fondly of you for years to come.

The two of you have given us so much in your time with us, each carving out your own special place within our history. And for this reason, while this may be the end of your time here as players, you will always be a part of this club. This is not a true goodbye, as we will surely see each other again, but rather a celebration of all you have accomplished.

And so, we thank you. For every pass, every tackle, every goal, every drop of blood or sweat given to the cause. But even more than that, for being such incredible people, and representing the club we love in the best possible way.

Wishing you and your families the very best,

Leeds United Supporter’s Trust