Ao Tanaka has acknowledged the notion that he could have spied a move to the Premier League if Leeds United did not gain promotion last season, but his primary aim was always to get there with the Whites.
Tanaka was one of the standout players in the second tier last season and was named in the Championship team of the year before receiving two accolades at the club’s end of season awards.
The 27-year-old was one of the bargains of last summer, with his move from Dusseldorf in Germany costing Leeds just £3million. His tally of 43 Championship games was the highest number he had played across a single season in his career.
The Japan international ended the season with five goals and two assists, becoming a much-loved figure within the fan base. Tanaka has admitted he felt “so nervous” during the run-in period amid the tight race for promotion.
Asked about whether there was pressure during this period by GOAL Japan in an interview held before the season started but only released this week, Tanaka said: “Yes, there was.
“Of course, there was also the view that if I was doing so well in the games, I could move up even if we weren't promoted. However, I was well aware that transferring isn't easy, so I was determined to get promoted.”
While never horrendous, Tanaka’s form dipped towards the end of the season and his losing of the ball led to Luton Town’s goal in April’s 1-1 draw, which saw Leeds slip to third in the table. Leeds ultimately won at Middlesbrough a few days later to end a series of three draws and push them back into the top two.
After full-time at the Riverside Stadium, Tanaka cut an emotional figure and was in tears in the dressing room due to the exhaustion of the run-in. The midfielder has since opened up on how anxious he felt during this period.
He said: “The last two months were really tough. Every week, I played while thinking that I didn't want to play. If I played, there was a chance that we would lose points. I was so nervous that I thought, ‘I'll do anything, just give me three points’.
“It's not like a Championship ‘race’, it's more like ‘heaven or hell’. Finishing third and not getting promoted is the same as finishing 18th. And if we get promoted, we'll go to the Premier League, the dream stage of the world.
Ao Tanaka provided one of the moments of the season at Sheffield United
Ao Tanaka provided one of the moments of the season at Sheffield United (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
“That's how important it is for the team to get there. Coming here really made me realize just how big a club Leeds is, which is why I wanted to get promoted.”
He continued: “I didn't really understand it before I came here. Not even the history or the atmosphere of the stadium. But once I got here, I really realized that this is a club that has to be in the Premier League.
“It's not often you get to play football at a club with such a history. It was my first time playing football at such a club, so I felt a sense of mission and responsibility.
“So, even if we came in second or third, it would be a completely different story, and I don't want to experience that tension again, and I don't think I'll ever experience it again.”
Asked about the support of the fans, Tanaka eulogised: “I really feel the love from the team and the supporters. I often wonder why. I think they like me because there really isn't any other player like me. And I fight really hard (laughs).
“I feel that even when I'm on the (pitch), and they cheer me on when I get the ball. When the starting lineup is announced, I'm really happy to receive some of the best cheers on the team.”
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