Edgar Cani discusses his Leeds United exit
Leeds United signed plenty of players who were, perhaps, out of their depth during the Massimo Cellino era. None more so, some might say, then Edgar Cani.
It is not a slight on the player. But the Championship seemed a cut above the imposing Albanian’s talent. When he arrived on loan from Italian side Catania, then head coach Neil Redfearn confirmed Cani would be a ‘back-up’ for big Steve Morison.
Cani went on to play just four times in the second half of the 2014-15 campaign. Cani was also part of the infamous ‘Charlton Six’ that missed a Championship clash with Charlton Athletic with a last-minute injury.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Massimo Cellino president of Brescia looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Brescia Calcio at Sardegna Arena on August 25, 2019 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
At the end of the season, Cani headed back to Italy, where he joined third-tier side Pisa.
This week, Cani has discussed that move with La Republicca in Italy, as reported by Sport Witness.
“At that point I needed a project that would allow me to find continuity and so I decided to return to Serie C, to Pisa.
“It was the right choice. With (Gennaro) Gattuso I lived a fairytale, a man of great values whom I will always thank.”
Cani’s signing was often considered one of Leeds United’s worst under Massimo Cellino. Indeed, during a now infamous May 2015 press conference, one disgruntled Leeds fan highlighted Cani’s deficiencies in comparison to former Whites star Luciano Becchio, who Leeds fans wanted re-signed instead. As reported by former YEP Leeds chief Phil Hay, Cellino made it clear he had never seen Cani in action.
Cellino coming under pressure about signings, specifically Cani. “I don’t know Cani. I never saw Cani.” #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 14, 2015
However, when the Albanian found his level in Italy he did a good job for Pisa. The battering ram upfront he helped a Gennaro Gattuso managed side win promotion back to the Italian second-tier.
Nowadays, Cani is without a club having left US Vibonese in January. Hopefully, once football is finally back up and running, the 30-year-old can find himself a new club to call home.
