Gaetano Berardi is set to depart Leeds United when his contract expires this summer and he has given one last final heartfelt interview, sitting down with LUTV.

The defender started the final day win over West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road and was given a huge standing ovation from all four stands, when he walked off the pitch as a Leeds United player for the final time. 

“It’s a strange moment with strange feelings, but I was happy to see the people around us, it was really nice for us,” Berardi told LUTV.  

“What we built in the last years with the people is something priceless. It is very sad, it is hard to leave this place, to leave the club and leave a lot of good people. 

“But, for me I think it is nice to leave with these good feelings, I have many many positive things to bring with me. 

“It is true that when I first came here the club was a bit different, it was very difficult for me and for the rest of the boys. But what we have built, this club has done something massive for everyone and we can see the results now. 

“We are realising that we are leaving a big part of our career and something unforgettable.”

Berardi joined Leeds United in 2014. He made over 150 appearances for a club he holds so close to his heart and he was quick to praise the impact the fans had on his time at Elland Road, along with his teammates and staff. 

“I couldn’t imagine something like this, because the culture that the people have here, you really see the people and the players, what they really are and what they can do,” Berardi explained.

“The fans see what you give for the team, you don’t have to be a really strong player to have the respect of the fans, they can see what you do and if you are an incredible player like Pablo they love you, if you are an average player like me they love you as well.  

“They really see what you are, it is incredible and I couldn’t have imagined this, I will always have the respect for them. 

“Of course, and to the club and players, I don’t have enough words to describe this group and these players, I would need a few days to talk about them! I just want to say they were incredible.”

As well as leaving the club, United’s number 28 will also be leaving a city that he has grown so close to, but he is in no doubt that it won’t be the last Leeds will see of him.  

Berardi said: “I was realising and thinking about this in the last few weeks. You are leaving the city, the people, the club, it is really sad and hard.

“But, this is life and of course there will be a chance to come back, I don’t know when but to watch games and see people, it is not over forever. 

“I am happy to leave with these feelings and bring something important from this experience with me.”

Finally, Bera’s memories of key moments saw him recall a truly special one in particular, as well as thanking his friend and teammate Pablo Hernandez as they both leave Thorp Arch for the final time, together.  

“Pablo’s goal at Swansea was one of my best moments, really, I was so happy for the day!” Berardi reminisced.  

“The celebration for the promotion, what we did to achieve that was crazy. We worked hard every day for years, it was something unforgettable. 

"Sometimes I think about this, the promotion and the celebration, what comes to my head is always about the feelings I had with these guys. 

“Maybe I don’t talk a lot, I am a little bit quiet, but it is good to have the possibility to share this with the guys and everyone. I will take this forever with me. 

“Thank you to everyone. I would like also to thank Pablo for the person he is, for everyone he has done for me, because for me he is the best player I could play with in my career. I am sad to leave you and the boys. 

“I think it is a really good base now to build a stronger team, a stronger club. They have a really good group of players and the manager is one of the best. 

“We can see what we did in the first year in the Premier League so I think it is a good base for sure and the club will know what to do to build, I hope I can watch some good games in the next years!”