One of Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United Championship heroes has called time on his playing career.
A huge number of Leeds United 2019/20 promotion heroes have sent heartfelt messages to teammate Barry Douglas, following his retirement from football.
Douglas joined Leeds from Wolves in the summer of 2018 for around £3million, becoming the first permanent arrival of Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure. The left-back played 44 games across two Championship campaigns under the legendary Argentinian, contributing to a memorable promotion.
The Scotland international never got the chance to make a Premier League appearance, joining Blackburn Rovers on loan for the 2020/21 season before leaving Leeds upon the expiry of his contract a year later. A 17-year career also included spells at the likes of Lech Poznan, Dundee United and Konyaspor.
Overall, Douglas made 455 appearances across all competitions for seven clubs across four different countries. He won Championship titles with Leeds and Wolves, the Polish Ekstraklasa twice with Lech Poznan and cups in Poland and Turkey.
In an emotional statement on Instagram, Douglas said: “Where do I even begin… The day every footballer knows is coming. It’s time to say goodbye to the playing side of the beautiful game.
“In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d make it as a professional footballer—never mind win multiple titles in different countries and go on to play almost 500 games. Now that I’m finally ‘hanging up the boots,’ I can look back with immense pride, knowing I gave it everything I had.
“A massive thank you to all the clubs who trusted me to wear their badge. It’s been an honour and a privilege to fight for the shirt, and I never once took that responsibility for granted. Every kid grows up dreaming of playing for their country—so to have made that a reality is something I’ll always be incredibly proud of.”
Ex-Leeds United teammates respond
A number of Douglas’ former Leeds teammates sent lovely messages in the comments. Among them Mateusz Klich, who wrote: “Barry D! It was [a] pleasure brother! Enjoyed every second with you! Respect for speaking fluent Polish too”.
Current Sheffield United striker Patrick Bamford, who followed Douglas through the door during Bielsa’s first summer, wrote: “Congrats on a brilliant career mate, wishing you all the best in what comes next”.
Leeds academy graduate Kalvin Phillips, currently on loan at Bramall Lane with Bamford, commented: “It’s been a pleasure my friend some amazing memories! What a guy time to spend some quality time with your beautiful family mate! Love you basher!”
While Middlesbrough defender and Elland Road favourite Luke Ayling wrote: “Some career basher. Pleasure to share a dressing room with you and make memories that will last a lifetime. Love ya fella”.
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Douglas’ fellow defender Gaetano Berardi also sent a heartfelt message. He wrote: “Congratulations on your great career mate! Well done! Top top man. Enjoy your future!”
Fellow former Leeds left-back Leif Davis commented: “Basher was a pleasure to share the dressing room with you. Appreciate the things you taught me on the pitch”.
Tyler Roberts wrote: “Was a pleasure partner career to be proud of”.
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