'I was hoping this was the outcome' - Tyler Roberts celebrates new three-year Leeds United contract

Speaking from his national team camp in Baku ahead of the European Championships, Roberts expressed delight at the backing he has received from the Whites and head coach Marcelo Bielsa in particular, implied by a fresh three-year contract.

“I’m extremely happy to be signing,” said the 22-year-old.

“It’s a club I have a lot of love for and a lot of passion for, I’m just happy to get it done and know that my future is here.

“It’s been great to know the club and the manager especially has that faith in me to see my future here. I’m excited. It’s been a good few years and we’ve done some amazing things but now it’s time for more exciting things, pushing on and keep improving.”

After a tough start to life in the Premier League – Roberts went four months without a start under Bielsa – there was talk of a potential loan move away from Elland Road during the January transfer window.

But with Bielsa more than happy to keep Roberts in his plans and the player himself determined to fight for regular football, he remained and eventually forced his way into the team, starting a dozen consecutive games in an attacking midfield role.

Through it all Roberts harboured hopes of a long-term future at Leeds.

“I’ve always, since I’ve got here, been in love with the club and the city so I was always hoping I could push on and get into the team and get another contract,” he said. “The club has brought me on so much, the people here are amazing. I was hoping this was the outcome and I’m just happy that it is.”

Roberts first joined Leeds in January 2018 from West Brom and has made 82 appearances since then, scoring eight goals and adding nine assists.

Despite being sent home early from the Wales camp in March for breaching a hotel curfew, the forward made it into Rob Page’s squad for the Euros and he cannot wait for Saturday’s tournament opener against Switzerland.

“We’ve been together for a bit now, so it’s been good to get in and be around the boys,” he said. “Now that we’re at Baku it’s getting more exciting, the training is getting more tactical. It’s a waiting game now until that first game, which I’m sure it’ll be a great experience.”