English international Kalvin Phillips has sent a heartfelt message to his former club – Leeds United after joining Manchester City as Fernandinho’s replacement.

Kalvin Phillips left Leeds United to join the Pep Guardiola side in a deal that could be worth up to £45 million, according to reports.

After Fernandinho announced he would be departing the Premier League champions after nine years with the team, City, who had previously acquired striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, were looking for a holding midfielder to support Rodri.

It was decided that Phillips would make the best successor, and City moved fast to recruit the England international, who signed a six-year deal.

A sum of £42 million plus an additional £3 million in add-ons was reportedly agreed upon by City and Leeds last month, and the transfer was formally announced on Monday.

“To be able to play under Pep Guardiola, learn from him and his coaching staff as well as be part of fantastic squad is a prospect that I am incredibly excited about” Kalvin Phillips said

Phillips, who came up through Leeds’ academy, assisted Marcelo Bielsa in bringing the Whites back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.

The 26-year-old midfielder was a key component of Leeds’ success in their first season back in the Premier League, making 20 appearances as Bielsa’s team avoided relegation.
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After disappointing final and semi-final losses in the previous two seasons, he will be hoping to assist Pep Guardiola’s team in retaining the league trophy as well as bringing the club its first Champions League victory.

The midfielder took to his twitter page shortly after to pen down an emotional message to his former club side – Leeds United and their fans.

“DEAR LEEDS UNITED, MY HOME AND MY TEAM

Where do start? First of all, I would like to express how much of a privilege it has been to play for this amazing club. Since making my debut at 17 it has been a journey any Leeds lad could wish for. When I was young, I went to see my first ever Leeds game at ER and from that moment knew that my dream was to put on that white shirt and walk out on that pitch.

I’d like to thank everyone involved at the club for making Leeds one of the best clubs on earth. Every manager I have played under for showing trust in me and teaching me all I know. I’d like to thank Andrea, Victor, and Angus for helping to bring this club back to where it truly belongs. You guys are a major reason as to why our club is where it is today and where it will go in the future.

I cannot mention Leeds without mentioning one special person – Marcelo. The best manager have ever come across. He was a man that gave the club life, he gave the players, and everyone involved in the club belief that we were good enough to return to the premier league after 16 years. Not only did you give the club everything, but you also gave me everything I needed to become the person I am today on and off the field.

And now to Jesse, what an unbelievable manager you are, but what an even better person. You came into this club and gave every single player confidence and belief in a very difficult season and that’s what kept us in the league. From the bottom of my heart thank you.

To all my teammates from my debut to my last game thank you for helping a Leeds lad achieve his dream. I wish everyone all the best in the future and for the next season.

Over the last 4 years me and you boys have shared so many memories, from missing out in the play offs to getting promoted and then surviving relegation last season. You lot are an unbelievable set of boys that deserve everything.

And finally, to my family, the fans! I hope you guys understand my decision and will accept that only want to chase my dreams and test myself against and with the best teams and best players on the planet. As a young kid I had so many dreams and still do… but playing for you was the one I will never forget.

You are the best fans in the world.

Good luck to everyone involved with Leeds United. I love you all and will miss you.

Never goodbye. I WILL see you soon. MOT!”

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