Leeds United forward Brenden Aaronson has admitted that he was nervous to return to the Premier League club due to the reception he may receive.
Brenden Aaronson endured a difficult first season with Leeds, having been brought to the club by former head coach Jesse Marsch.
The American international struggled to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League as the Whites suffered relegation to the Championship.
After a season away from the club on loan, Daniel Farke reintegrated Aaronson into his squad for their title-winning Championship campaign, and Aaronson has remained a regular in the top flight for Leeds this season.
However, Aaronson has now admitted that he was anxious to return to the club, having frequently been a lightning rod for criticism from the fans.
Brenden Aaronson celebrates his goal during Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League
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Brenden Aaronson always loved Leeds United despite struggles
Speaking to the Men in Blazers podcast, Aaronson explained that he had always loved Leeds, despite his difficult first season at Elland Road.
However, having been the target of criticism from the Leeds fans at times, Aaronson did not know what to expect when he rejoined his teammates.
Aaronson said: “I always loved the club. I always thought so highly of it and that type of thing. I always loved being out here with the people. I love the people. I love my teammates and everything like that.
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“So I knew I wanted to come back and be a part of it, but it was also like, like I said, it was just nerve-wracking, you know, cause you don’t know how people are going to think this thing that, and of course I’m a people pleaser. So it’s not easy in moments.
“But I had my support system that I’m really grateful for, with my fiancé being on my side for it. And I’ll never forget my grandpa, Bill Aaronson, was always like the biggest one for me, which was odd.
“He was always saying, ‘This is gonna be an amazing year for you, you got to go back to Leeds, it’s gonna be an amazing year, I can feel it,’ and pushed it like that. That was a moment for me where it just resonates.”
Brenden Aaronson tackles Georgino Rutter during Brighton & Hove Albion v Leeds United - Premier League
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Leeds United forward named in USMNT squad
Aaronson’s form has been patchy at times this season, with his man-of-the-match performance against West Ham being offset by disappointing appearances against Burnley and Brighton.
However, with a World Cup in North America on the horizon at the end of the season, Aaronson has forced his way back into the international picture.
Our final roster of the year is here! 🇺🇸⚽️
25 players have been called up for matches against Paraguay on Nov. 15 and Uruguay on Nov. 18! 👇 pic.twitter.com/7D0bnH2QPu
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 6, 2025
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The Leeds forward has been named in the USMNT squad for their upcoming fixtures against Paraguay and Uruguay in the international break.
Aaronson will be hoping to impress one-time Leeds managerial target Mauricio Pochettino as he looks to cement his place in the World Cup squad.