Leeds United fans memories of an iconic Matteo moment and a San Siro singalong

The central defender played 115 times for the Whites during a four year stint and was even made captain after Rio Ferdinand departed to Manchester United.

But he will be forever remembered for THAT goal in the San Siro back in November 2000.

A goal which not only helped Leeds United secure their qualification into the Champions League second phase but also spawned a chant which is still sung by the Elland Road faithful 20 years on.

The memory of Matteo’s darting run to the front post on the stroke of half-time still burns bright for a generation of fans.

The leap, the craned neck, the look of astonishment as the ball hit the back of the net; it’s one of the most iconic moments in the history of Leeds United, a spine-tingling vignette of the whirlwind David O’Leary era.

We asked Leeds United fans to share their memories of the game, THAT goal, and the impromptu singalong with the team after the game.

Here is what they had to say:

Stuart Lusted - "Probably my best night as a Leeds fan, if you were there you’ll understand. Great night made legendary with the singalong with the players."

Mark Renton - "The bus ride to the ground, the walk to the turnstile, climbing amazing steps up to the middle tier of their amazing stadium. Atmosphere all never to be forgotten. Something you can never take away from a football fan! It was everything to be a part of that night!"

Chris Fay - "The game was awesome and to see players like Maldini, Shevchenko was such a good experience. Only Champions League match I have been too. San Siro is a great stadium."

Sandra Patrick-Smith - "It was a great night one of the best."

Johnny Flanagan - "The players on the pitch after the match singing to us was most memorable."

Jim Davis - "San Siro looked good from the outside but a dump inside. Great after the game with the players coming out and singing with the Leeds fans. Great memories."

Richard Seddon -" In the corporate section along the side of the pitch half way up the stand. Ground like a space ship. Huge TV screens above us. Shevchenko missed a penalty in front of the Leeds fans. Great goal. Singing and dancing during and after the game.

Rob Samme - "The only time I have been watching a Leeds game and turned the TV off for the last 10 minutes because I couldn't bear to watch."

Phil Burton - "Best ever footy trip. Flew to Geneva from Luton. Got wrong train . Ended up in France, in a one horse town. Seven days in Milan with all the boys and can't remember what we got up to every night! Remember all the Milan fans bowing to us all though. Don't think they could believe how many lads we took."

JG (@JohnnyGiles) - "Then Leeds United’s very own ‘boys to entertain you’ took to the stage. When Ridsdale opened up with an MOT chant, disbelief in the stand was quickly replaced with laughter and joy as a 6,000 sing-a-long kicked off."

Eric Howell (@LUFCWM) - "I got a ten year passport just for this game. Never been abroad before. Never used it again. Worth every penny."

Helder Rui Costa (@88danielbruce) - "Travelled to Milan as a 12-year-old with my Dad and grandad, pretty sure I was the only sober person in the crowd that night."

Leigh Coates (@dofatdogzfart) - "We stayed in a village 30 mins outside of Milan , got train in and due to the beer ban went to a Chinese and stopped in there , left it and everyone was on a crossroads with flags out and singing away . Taxi to the ground and then the game . Oh what a night."

Scott Whelan (@sw82lufc) - "The sing song with the team back on the pitch about 40 mins after the game. Such a bond between the team and fans."

Clair (@rugbyleaguelady) - "Privileged to have been there. A highlight was definitely at the end of the game when all players came back out and were singing with all the fans!"

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