Swedish defender Pontus Jansson has hinted he had to leave Leeds United after becoming suffocated by the constant attention on him.
The defender has been speaking to Aftonbladet as he now enjoys a quieter life back in his native Sweden with Malmo.
He made the move back to his homeland last summer, securing a free transfer from Brentford following a three-year spell at Leeds.
Leeds United had been his first club in England, with Jansson initially joining them on loan from Torino in August 2016 before making the move a permanent one for €4m the following year.
He went on to make 120 appearances for the club in total and was a key player during his time at Elland Road as they finished 7th, 13th and then third.
That latter season saw him playing under Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds came within touching distance of returning to the Premier League.
He eventually departed after something of a breakdown in his relationship with the club and management, who were unhappy about his attitude and decided to move him on to Brentford.
The belief had long been that he was forced out by Bielsa and his team, but Jansson has now hinted he had to get out of Leeds due to the focus on him.
“In Leeds and stuff, it was crazy. Uproar everywhere. We had to move in the end because it didn’t work. In London it was a bit quieter, but still the Premier League. So, you are recognised.
“I’ve actually become a bit shy here at home in Malmo now. I don’t move around town as much. There are advantages to being famous, but also disadvantages. Wherever you go, you feel like people are watching you.
“When you were young, you thought it was cool. People knew who you were. But over the years… then I try to be a little wiser. I am an outspoken person and often act emotionally. But I want a thought behind it.
“So, you become a little more shy, don’t move in the same environments. I used to go out on the town with my friends. Now I have my house, my fort, and only drive between the stadium and home, sort of.”
