Archie Gray’s career soared to new heights after winning the Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur but he hasn’t forgotten about Leeds United.
Tottenham Hotspur claimed their first trophy in 17 years by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday, a result that brought joy to every Leeds United fan, too.
Not just because of the fierce rivalries between the Whites and Man Utd, which will be reignited upon Leeds’ return to the Premier League, but for Archie Gray as well.
Gray was sold last summer after Tottenham triggered the release clause that came into effect when Leeds failed to gain promotion, though Joe Rodon did come back in the opposite direction.
Yet, Gray remains beloved as he is Leeds royalty. He is the great-nephew of the legendary Eddie Gray, while his younger brother Harry Gray remains at Leeds and made a dig at Harry Maguire at full-time.
Leeds fans are delighted to see him defeat Man United to earn his first trophy, which Gray admitted felt really special after losing last season’s Play-off final.
Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Archie Gray remembers Leeds United Play-off final defeat
Gray was integral to the Leeds side that nearly secured promotion last season before a late collapse saw them condemned to the Play-offs.
Daniel Farke’s side eased to the final but were defeated by Southampton at Wembley, leaving them stranded in the second tier for another season as several top stars departed.
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Gray might have left but he hasn’t forgotten his time at Leeds nor the heartbreak of his final game.
“We’ve got a lot more to do,” Gray said when asked by TalkSport if he and Lucas Bergvall were now Tottenham legends after ending the trophy drought in their first year at the club.
“As I say, [this is] the best day of both of our careers so far. It’s incredible.
“Especially, for me, losing the Play-off final last year, I’ve had the other end of the emotions, to have this is unbelievable.
“I’m grateful for it and hopefully we’ve got quite a few long years here, successful years.”
Archie Gray’s reaction to winning the Europa League with Tottenham
Gray earned high praise for the classy gesture he made towards Man United upon the final whistle.
Instead of immediately joining his teammates in the wild celebrations, he first consoled every player in a red shirt and the defeated manager, Ruben Amorim.
He then joined in the celebrations but was sure to seek out his own boss, Ange Postecoglou, to give him a big hug.
Now Gray can’t wait to play in the Champions League. He added: “For everyone involved, it’s a special day and one the club will remember forever.
“The fans were brilliant throughout this whole competition. Every game, they stick with us. We’re grateful for having them by our side.
“They are a 12th man, especially in games like this. Hopefully, we’ve brought them a little bit of joy tonight.
“It’s like a dream, init?”