29-cap international reveals Leeds United transfer snub after lengthy talks and Elland Road 'risk'

Chatzidiakos sought a move away from AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands over the summer break, eventually joining Italian Serie A side Cagliari on a permanent deal.

Leeds were linked as a potential destination for the 26-year-old, having held talks with the defender’s representatives but could not come to an agreement and instead signed Joe Rodon on a season-long loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur.

Chatzidiakos remained at AZ until the final few days of the window when the opportunity to join up with Premier League-winning manager Claudio Ranieri arose. The Cagliari boss reportedly telephoned the Greek international, which was enough to convince him a switch to the island of Sardinia would be suitable to further his career.

Speaking to Greek Radio station ERA Sport, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb, Chatzidiakos reveals: “Ranieri? He’s a great character, we spoke on the phone before I made the decision and he helped me a lot in choosing to go to Cagliari.

“Alkmaar is like family to me, they helped me a lot with the move.

“I waited until August 31st to help the team in Europe. And as happens in life, I also scored a vital goal before leaving.

“Leeds were also interested, but I didn’t want to risk it. For me, Cagliari is a great opportunity with a great coach, and I think Italian football suits me,” the 26-year-old said.

Leeds’ relegation to the Championship appears to have fostered doubt in the player’s mind, leading to the lengthy period in which talks took place believed to have been a fortnight, before United moved onto other targets.

United found themselves in a similar position with German international midfielder Nadiem Amiri who arrived in England for talks but could not reach an agreement with Leeds and subsequently returned to Bayer Leverkusen where he has been left off the club’s UEFA Europa League squad list.