Whelan ‘overjoyed’ at Berardi development after big Leeds news
Noel Whelan has admitted he was thrilled to see Gaetano Berardi return for Leeds United ahead of his departure this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it was the “perfect” way for the 32-year-old sign off at Elland Road.
Leeds announced on Friday Berardi would leave the club at the end of the season.
The Switzerland international has missed the majority of the season after suffering a serious knee injury late last term.
He made his first appearance of the campaign as a substitute against Southampton on Tuesday.
Whelan was at St Mary’s for the 2-0 win and admitted he was thrilled to see Berardi return.
“I was overjoyed the other night when he came on,” Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“It’s never nice to see players coming off through injury. However, to see Gaetano Berardi keep that clean sheet record that he has when he comes on, they’ve won every game I think.
“It was just a nice fit. The perfect way for him to end his career at Leeds after being great servant.
“The fans that will be in there on Sunday will show their appreciation for what he’s done for the football club.”
Leeds round off their season with a home tie against West Brom on Sunday.
Berardi joined the club in 2014 and is currently Leeds’ longest-serving player.
He has a total of 156 appearances under his belt for the Whites.
In other news, Danny Mills has suggested financial reasons are behind a surprise Marcelo Bielsa call at Leeds United.