Kalvin Phillips shares emotional farewell letter to Leeds United following his £45m move to Man City

Kalvin Phillips has shared a heartfelt letter with Leeds United fans following his £45million move to Manchester City as he praised ‘special’ Marcelo Bielsa.

Phillips has left his boyhood club after City confirmed the signing of the midfielder on a six-year deal on Monday.

The 26-year-old made 235 senior appearances across eight seasons for the Whites after joining the club as a youth player at age of 14. 

Kalvin Phillips has shared a heartfelt letter with Leeds United fans following his Man City move

City confirmed the £45million signing of Phillips on a six-year deal from Leeds on Monday

Following his departure from Elland Road, Phillips took to social media to thank the fans and the club for the ‘privilege’ of having played for Leeds. 

‘Where do I 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,’ wrote Phillips.

‘When I was young, I went to see my first ever Leeds game at ER and from that moment I knew that my dream was to put on that white shirt and walk out on that pitch.

The 26-year-old took to social media to share a letter thanking the fans and his team-mates

‘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.’

Phillips singled out former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, hailing him as ‘the best manager he has ever come across.’

‘I cannot mention Leeds without mentioning one special person – Marcelo,’ Phillips continued.

‘The best manager I 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. 

Phillips singled out former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa for ‘making him the person he is today’

‘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.’

Phillips went on to thank current manager Jesse Marsch, who shepherded the club through a relegation battle and into safety on the final day of the season. 

‘And now to Jesse, what an unbelievable manager you are, but what an even better person,’ added Phillips.

‘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.’

The England international went on to thank current Leeds manager Jesse Marsch 

Phillips’s Leeds career has seen the side narrowly miss out on promotion in the play-offs in 2019 before clinching a return to the Premier League the following season after 16 years. 

He took the chance to thank all his team-mates over the years and the fans, describing it as a dream to have played for the club.  

Phillips said: ‘To all my team-mates 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 four 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.

Phillips took the chance to thanks all his Leeds team-mates over the years and the fans

‘And finally, to my family, the fans! I hope you guys understand my decision and will accept that I 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!’

Phillips is the third arrival at the Etihad this summer after Erling Haaland’s £51million move from Borussia Dortmund and the free transfer of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega as Pep Guardiola brings in reinforcements ahead of City’s Premier League title defence. 

He will wear the No 4 shirt at the Etihad following his move.