BBC · Oct 25, 2024
Boro defender Ayling 'hurt' by Leeds departure
Luke Ayling has played 32 games for Middlesbrough since joining in JanuaryMiddlesbrough defender Luke Ayling said that he was "hurt" at bringing an end to his career at Leeds United.
Ayling was with his former club for seven-and-a-half seasons and made 268 appearances for them.
But the 33-year-old left to join Boro initially on loan last January, before making the move permanent in the summer.
"Leaving Leeds hurt then, and to leave the boys I'd spent five, six, seven years with certainly hurt," he said.
Ayling was a key member of the Leeds side that won the Championship in 2020, ending a 16-year period outside the top flight for the Yorkshire giants.