Italian midfielder Andrea Tabanelli has recalled his failed move to Leeds United, which happened back in 2014.
The player had moved from Cesena to Cagliari in late January, and days after the transfer, it had been reported he would arrive at Elland Road, since both clubs had the same owner, Massimo Cellino.
Although Tabanelli did train with Leeds, but the move was later blocked by the FA, forcing the player to return to Italy.
Now interviewed by Gianluca Di Marzio, Tabanelli has recalled his entire career, and had a lot to say about this specific episode.
“I had done so well with Cesena, in Serie B, and Cagliari bought me. In reality it was a transitional phase: Cellino was clear with me and told me that I wouldn’t find space in Rossoblù,” Tabanelli told Gianluca Di Marzio.
“There were still Dessena, Cossu, Conti, also in January Nainggolan had moved to Roma. How can you blame him? He suggested I move to Leeds, which in the meantime was becoming his property, to find continuity and return to Cagliari in the summer.
“I lived a whole month in England, training in parks and gyms with what should have been my coach. In the end, nothing came of it and in March I returned to Sardinia, where I found some space in the last few days.”
Back at the club, Tabanelli was received by David Astori, who passed away last year. “Despite his young age he was already an example for the dressing room. Everyone admired him, he tried to give me advice, to make me feel at ease. Unbelievable how then, all of a sudden, he left us.”
Tabanelli’s time at Cagliari didn’t last long, as he returned to Cesena that summer. He’s also played for Pisa, Padova and now Lecce, where he’s been at since January 2018.
The failed Leeds United move continues to be something he’s asked about in every interview.
