Max-Alain Gradel spent just less than two years at Leeds United, having joined them on loan from Leicester City in October 2009.
The move was made permanent in 2010 and during his first season with the Whites, the winger scored six goals and registered six assists in the League One to help the English club achieve promotion to the Championship.
The player, who is currently with Toulouse, gave an interview to L’Equipe and gives an insight on an incident that took place in May 2010 where he was sent off for a tackle on Bristol Rovers’ Daniel Jones.
Leeds came from to win the tie 2-1 and it was sufficient for them to be promoted to the second division.
However, Gradel was unhappy after he received his marching orders in the first half of the crucial fixture.
“That day, our captain [Jermaine Beckford] had the behaviour of a true leader because his words calmed me down and made me want to leave the field,” he said.
“My other teammates were trying to catch me, to hold me, which only made things worse because I was very upset.
“He arrived calmly and said, ‘We have to win this game to go up. I know you’re not happy, but we cannot do anything anymore. However, we cannot lose any more time and this match, we will win for you.’
“So, it made me think and I ran off. We won 2- 1 and he scored! I learned from him.” 
The Ivory Coast international found the back of the net 18 times and set up five more goals for his teammates in the Championship during the 2010/11 season.
Even though the wideman wanted to continue at Elland Road, Gradel moved to Saint-Étienne in 2015.
