Leeds 22-year-old gives two-word response when asked if he regrets joining Yorkshire giants

Leeds 22-year-old gives two-word response when asked if he regrets joining Yorkshire giants

Wayne Veysey

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By Tom Blackburn

Winger Jordan Botaka says he doesn't regret his move to Leeds despite failing to force his way into the starting XI.

The Congo international joined Leeds from SBV Excelsior for more than £500,000 at the end of last summer's transfer window but started only three matches for the club in his debut season.

Asked by Dutch football website Voetbal International if he regretted joining Leeds, the 22-year-old replied: "Absolutely not."

The signing of Botaka excited fans at the time as they hoped he would bring a full bag of tricks to Elland Road, but he struggled to convince the two managers he played under.

Under first manager Uwe Rosler, Botaka regularly came off the substitute's bench but when Steve Evans took the helm the winger rarely got a look-in until the final weeks of the season and scored his only goal against Hull as the season neared its close.

At the end of the season Botaka had made a total of 14 appearances for Leeds, but was only on the pitch for 482 minutes in total.

New manager Garry Monk had a reputation for picking young players at Swansea, and this could provide fresh impetus to the winger's Leeds career.

Botaka's pedigree has been noted by the Congo national team, and the winger scored his first goal in a friendly against Gabon in December.

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