Player says he ‘ran fast’ to sign for Leeds United – Believes he was treated poorly and forced out

Marco Silvestri signed for Leeds United in 2014 in a €1m move for Chievo.

He was brought in as the club’s first choice goalkeeper, given the No. 1 shirt, and continued that way for the rest of the season. It was similar during the campaign which came next, but when Rob Green was signed for the 2017-17 season, Silvestri was left in no doubt that he was being pushed out of the team.

Green was given the Italian’s No. 1 shirt, with Silvestri getting No. 12 and then providing back-up. He was frustrated but still managed to put in some good performances in the League Cup.

Then in July 2017 he left Leeds United and signed for Hellas Verona and has gone on to impress back in Italy. Silvestri has done so well that there’s been recent claims of interest from clubs in the Premier League.

He’s been speaking to the Italian media and is quoted by Calciomercato explaining how he was so keen to join Leeds, but then faded away at Elland Road, and he clearly believes he was treated poorly and ultimately forced out.

Silvestri explained: “English football has always fascinated me, I ran fast. I was the first Italian to accept the proposal. The first year was wonderful: I won a lot of individual prizes. Ditto the second year.

“After the first two seasons I had made 92 appearances and I found myself on the bench for no reason, but by the decision of President Cellino. They dropped me for no reason. Green came in for my place and I found myself second all year round, I was also taken off the No. 1 shirt as if they wanted to downsize and demotivate me.”