Rodrigo Moreno opens up on his Leeds United exit | OneFootball

Highlights

The 2022/23 season was one to forget for everybody connected with Leeds United, as it ended the club's three-year stint in the Premier League after waiting what seemed like a lifetime to return to the top flight beforehand.

Following the Whites' relegation season, which included three different men in the Elland Road dugout in the form of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and latterly, Sam Allardyce, an exodus of players was always on the cards.

However, nobody could have foreseen the chaos that would unfold in terms of outgoings in West Yorkshire during Daniel Farke's first weeks in charge, and Paraag Marathe's introductory period in the boardroom prior to the Championship campaign.

Rodrigo Moreno's exit from Leeds United

One of many players that faced the exit door came in the form of the experienced Spanish forward, Rodrigo Moreno.

Rodrigo would join Qatar Stars League side Al-Rayyan in July of last year, which ended a three-year association between Leeds United and the 32-year-old, who joined the club after their promotion to the Premier League under the fanbase's god-like figure, Marcelo Bielsa.

Since his move to the Middle East, the 28-time Spanish international has featured ten times for his new employers, and has continued to be an influential figure up front, scoring five times and registering four assists in 10 league outings for the side that sit fourth in the division, nine points behind the leaders, Al-Sadd.

"I was also eager..." - Spaniard opens up on Leeds United exit

After joining from La Liga side Valencia back in 2020 for a then club-record fee in the region of £26m, Rodrigo was a mainstay in United's front line in the Premier League, making 88 league appearances and scoring 26 goals in that time.

Despite United's struggles, he was the only man to make it into double figures in terms of league goals, notching up 13 as overall, Leeds only scored 48 times across the 38 top flight games.

This made his experiences of the season feel very mixed, as he told Portuguese news outlet A Bola.

“Well, it was a very personal matter, this possibility arose and there was the circumstances at Leeds, on a personal level I can say it was a positive season. I even managed to finish with the Nations League title with the Spanish national team,” he began.

“But football and life are circumstances, they are moments, they are opportunities, they are decisions, I considered that, given the circumstances I found myself in, it was the best option.

“I was also eager to face this new experience on a professional and personal level, living in a completely different country compared to what I was used to. And it has been very positive, I am very satisfied with the path and the decision I made.” Rodrigo continued.

As already highlighted, the veteran forward has continued to be prolific, and even though the Qatari league still has a long way to go in terms of attracting big names, Rodrigo believes it is on the right path, which was boosted by last year's FIFA World Cup.

“It really is different, but it surprised me in a very positive way, it is a country that in recent years has been opening doors to the rest of the world, I think that the fact that they welcomed so many people to the World Cup was very important for the country, plus the more because they are people who like to receive.

“It's been a very good experience for me, I'm enjoying it both professionally and personally and it's really a beautiful place, which I recommend to anyone who wants to come, Qatar is worth it.” he concluded.

Leeds United's attack without Rodrigo

It's easy to say in hindsight, but the potential thought of what Leeds' attack would be like if Rodrigo stuck around at Elland Road is frightening, given the prolific exploits shown by Joel Piroe, Crysencio Summerville, Dan James and Georginio Rutter so far this campaign.

Furthermore, we have started to see Patrick Bamford end his baron spell in front of goal. Having scored his first league goal since April 30th last year in the 3-0 win over Birmingham City on New Year's Day, the former Chelsea man backed that up with a sensational volley in the FA Cup Third Round tie against Peterborough United.

If Leeds do return to the Premier League, fans will be hoping they can unearth another forward with such a high reputation as what Rodrigo had four years ago.