Affectionately known as 'El Mago' amongst the Elland Road faithful, Leeds United legend Pablo Hernandez announced his retirement on Friday afternoon.

Joining the club initially on loan at the start of the 2016/17 season, the Spanish attacking midfielder made his debut in the 2-2 Carabao Cup draw with Fleetwood Town, before scoring his first goal against Cardiff City in the 2-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium in September 2016.

Hernandez would keep fans on their edge of their seats across five seasons, scoring 36 goals across 175 games for the Whites, including the memorable strike against Swansea, which all but secured Leeds' return to the Premier League during the 2019/20 season.

After a season in the top flight, in which he played a part in Leeds finishing 9th, Pablo returned to his boyhood club Castellon CD with the best wishes of everyone at the club.



On his retirement, Hernandez posted on his personal Instagram account:

"I don't know where to start, nor where to end, I could write 100 pages to thank and express all the things I've experienced as a football player, but I'll try to be brief.

After thinking about it and evaluating it for a long time, I think the time has come to say goodbye, but it's not a goodbye to football, it's just a goodbye to the pitch, a goodbye to putting on my boots to train every day or play every weekend.

It is not a goodbye to football, it has been, is and will be my life and my passion, but now it's time to continue donating my life to this sport that I love from another place.

I want to thank all the clubs that I have had the honour of defending their jersey, for their trust in me, for letting me fulfil my dream, for letting me experience things that I imagined in my head since I was a child, I couldn't be more proud to have been part of it.

Also thank all my teammates, coaches, technical staff, medical services and workers who are in the shadows but are the true engine of all these clubs, for their camaraderie, their trust, their respect and even sometimes for your friendship. Thank you.

Thank you to all the fans who have shown me their love and respect, you have made me feel emotions and unforgettable moments that I will keep with me forever.