Mateusz Klich’s seven-word reaction after Luke Ayling leaves Leeds United

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Leeds United have bid farewell to Elland Road stalwart Luke Ayling, who secured a loan switch to Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

The Leeds veteran’s contract runs out at the end of the season, so he has likely played his last game for the Elland Road outfit.

According to The Athletic, Leeds and Daniel Farke are said to have decided against offering Ayling a contract extension before Christmas.

Ayling joined Leeds from Bristol City for £500,000 back in the summer of 2016, becoming one of the best bargains of all time for the Whites.

The 32-year-old played for Leeds for seven-and-a-half years, clocking up 268 appearances for the Whites and becoming a firm fan favourite at Elland Road.

Of the existing squad, only Liam Cooper has featured more for Leeds, and he arrived two years earlier than his vice-captain.

Emotional scenes as Luke Ayling leaves Leeds United

Ayling’s Leeds departure has led to an outpouring of support from the Elland Road faithful, and former teammates have also paid tribute to him.

For instance, Mateusz Klich replied to a video of Ayling’s highlights on and off the pitch, as shared on Leeds’ X account.

“I am not crying, you are crying,” Ayling’s former teammate wrote in response.

As per Leeds Live, the Whites hope Ayling will be available to attend their next home match on January 21 against Preston North End for a proper send-off.

The defender leaves a Leeds side currently fourth in the Championship table and seven points below second-placed Ipswich Town.

He joins a Boro outfit currently 12th in the second tier, four points off the playoffs.