Junior Firpo has starred for Leeds United this season and played a vital role in the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League.
Earlier this week, Leeds and Burnley secured a direct promotion to the top flight after the Clarets’ 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
Daniel Farke’s side are leading the table, level on points with second placed Burnley, and both are in contention to win the Championship.
Marca got in touch with the left-back to discuss Leeds United’s promotion, his future and several other topics.
The fullback managed four goals and nine assists from 31 Championship games for Leeds this season.
The Dominican Republic international arrived at Elland Road from Barcelona in July 2021, when the Whites were in the Premier League. He has less than three months left on his contract, and this makes him an attractive option in the transfer market.
When Marca asked where the 28-year-old will play next season, he said: “I don’t know, I can’t answer that. I was focused on promotion and didn’t want to get distracted. There may have been approaches; it would be a good recognition of my season.”
The newspaper immediately asked whether a stay at Elland Road is out of question.
Responding to that, Junior Firpo explained: “No, not at all. I’m fine here, and who doesn’t want to play in the Premier League?
“I feel like I have a thorn in my side. My two years in the Premier League weren’t great at all. I had a lot of injuries, Covid.
“It saddens me because I think that with [Marcelo] Bielsa, in the form I’m in now, the story would have been different. I think I’m a Premier League player.”
Recent claims in Spain have mentioned Real Betis are looking to sign him for free in the summer window. The Leeds player spent five years with them and leaves the door open to return to the La Liga club.
“Returning to Betis, above all. It’s an option I always have open. I’ve never hidden it and I’m not going to hide it,” he added.
“If I’ve found a home in Leeds, Betis is home. I’m a Betis fan, everyone knows that, and I’m not going to change it. It’s in my blood.”
