After 268 appearances and 11 goals for Leeds United, right back Luke Ayling has joined Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season, at which point his existing contract at Elland Road will come to an end.

From signing to his final game, with a Championship title along the way, we take a look at Luke's remarkable time at Leeds United through photos.

1. LUKE AYLING SIGNS FOR LEEDS UNITED

After defender Kyle Bartley recommended his former Arsenal teammate to head coach Garry Monk by text message, Luke joined Leeds United on the 11th August 2016, in a three-year deal from Bristol City for £500,000.

On signing for the club, the full back said "It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to get started. I hope to bring loads of energy and get up and down the wing. I think I’m quite good with the ball at my feet and I always try to play football in the right way."

2. DEBUT IN FRONT OF THE ELLAND ROAD FAITHFUL

Two days after signing with the club, Luke made his debut in front of 27,392 fans at Elland Road, taking the place of an injured Gaetano Berardi at right back.

The game would end 2-1 to Birmingham, but Ayling would impress so much, he went on to play every minute of the following 34 games, helping the Whites to 7th in the league, after finishing 13th and 15th in previous years.

3. NOT THE PRETTIEST, BUT THE FIRST!

The right back would have to wait two years and seven days for his first Leeds United goal, which would come against Rotherham at Elland Road, in the third league game of the 2018/19 season.

49th minute, Leeds corner, Douglas whipped it in, Cooper headed it towards goals, Rodak made a great save, Roofe couldn't convert the rebound but a diving header from Ayling saw it power into the net. 

A slight delay followed, as Rotherham believed they'd cleared it off the line, but eventually goal-line technology confirmed the goal, Elland Road erupted and Leeds sealed a 2-0 win.

4. "HE'S EVEN GOT THE PONYTAIL OUT!"

If you're a Leeds fan, you don't need us to tell you about this goal! Chasing promotion, last game before the pandemic halted all football games, Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town at Elland Road. Step forward, Luke Ayling!

Three minutes into the game, Jack Harrison storms down the left wing, he fires in a cross, the ball breaks for Ayling, he leaps into the air and volleys it into the net, to score Leeds United's goal of the 2019/20 promotion winning season.

A goal that good needed a celebration to match, Ayling didn't disappoint, running to the West Stand, ripping out his hair tie to be mobbed by his fellow teammates, with the immortal line of "He's even got the ponytail out" ringing out across the LUTV coverage.

5. WRITING HIS NAME INTO LEEDS' HISTORY!

37 games, 8 as captain, 5 assists and 6 goals during the 2019/20 season, Luke Ayling was an integral part in helping Leeds United return to the Premier League after 13 years.

Lifting the trophy at Elland Road after a 4-0 win against Charlton, Ayling achieved what so many over the previous decade couldn't, writing himself into Leeds United history and will be forever remembered.

6. LAST GAME FOR LEEDS UNITED

After seven years of representing the club, Ayling's 268th and final appearance would come in our 3-0 win over Peterborough United in the FA Cup Third Round.

Knowing that it might be his last game, the defender full of emotion walked to the Leeds United away fans and thanked them for their support throughout his time at the club.

MORE PHOTOS FROM LUKE'S TIME AT THE CLUB