Kemar Roofe opens up on feelings towards Leeds United and lure of Anderlecht

Roofe made 122 appearances for the Whites after joining from Oxford United for £3m in July 2016, scoring 32 goals in all competitions.

With one year left on his contract, the forward then left to pursue a new challenge abroad in the Belgian Jupiler League with Vincent Kompany's Anderlecht whom the striker joined for around £7m in August 2019.

Roofe's exit came three months after seeing United's Premier League promotion push end in heartache with defeat to Derby County in the Championship play-offs semi-final.

The forward's last goal for Leeds had left the Whites with a 1-0 advantage following the first leg at Pride Park but the striker missed the second leg with a calf injury.

Now, though, Roofe's former side sit top of the Championship and with a seven-point cushion in the division's automatic promotion spots with nine games left of a season currently suspended due to the battle against coronavirus.

Reflecting on his feelings towards Leeds and United's progress in Marcelo Bielsa's second season in charge, Roofe told the i: "It’s good to see.

"They’ve obviously still got a place in my heart. I’ll always be following them, watching them and supporting them.

"I think when you’ve played for a club like that, it’s hard not to. It becomes part of you."

Reflecting on how his move to Anderlecht developed, Roofe explained: "Vincent Kompany gave me the call and just explained the project he was working on at Anderlecht – what he wants to happen and what he sees for the future.

"The thought of playing under him, with him, and alongside some top names in the game as well, was exciting.

"There was also the opportunity to try and qualify for Europa League or Champions League football, which I wouldn't get in England.”

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