Deadline day transfer's first words as Leeds United player with 'easy choice' admission and 'fight' promise
Melvin Bard was the first of two deadline day arrivals at Leeds United.
Deadline day transfer Melvin Bard admits it was an ‘easy choice’ to join Leeds United and believes he and the Elland Road crowd will come to like one another.
Bard joined the Whites on a season-long loan from OGC Nice on deadline day evening. The YEP understands Leeds will pay a €1million loan fee for the 25-year-old left-back while there is also a €5m option to buy.
The Frenchman’s arrival provides cover and competition for Gabriel Gudmundsson, a priority in West Yorkshire all summer. Bard got a look at Elland Road after signing the paperwork of his move.
“Super happy to be here,” he told LUTV after signing. “I can’t wait to discover the city, the stadium, my teammates as well, and to start playing in front of the fans.
“Leeds is a historic club in the Premier League so it was an easy choice. Leeds has a great history which makes the club an attractive one.
“And the fans, the atmosphere - there are many players that told me that it was hard to play in Elland Road Stadium. So, all of this is why I am very happy to be here and what I know about the club and the squad.”
Leeds like Bard’s versatility with the loan arrival most comfortable at left-back but also able to play on the left of a back three. Fans have been told to expect a player who loves to defend and attack in equal measure and will always ‘fight’ for the club.
“The target for me is to play as much as possible, starting games and helping the team as much as possible to reach the targets,” he added. “I would describe myself as someone who never gives up as a player.
“I am a defender and I love to defend. I love to attack as well, of course. But to sum it up, I would just say I like the fight and I never give up. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and to see for myself this world-famous atmosphere. And I am sure we will like each other!”