“I totally understand the disappointment, but it was necessary, I’ll be supporting you no matter what”- Max Wober sends emotional message to Leeds fans as he gives reasons for leaving club this summer
Max Wober has explained his reasons for making a late Leeds United loan exit to Borussia Monchengladbach after the move was confirmed.
The Austria international appeared to be ready to stay at Elland Road after relegation, but after he was suddenly missing from the squad for the friendly against Monaco on 22 July it emerged that he was set to become the latest Whites player to use his release clause to leave.
That deal was made official on Monday (31 July), leaving a big hole in Daniel Farke’s defence, but the 25-year-old has put it down to needing to make it into the squad for Euro 2024, and has accepted the “disappointment” of the fans.
Posting on his Instagram on Monday (31 July) the centre-back wrote: “To everyone at Leeds United.
“I’m telling you with a heavy heart that I’m leaving Leeds United for coming season on loan. I’m forever grateful for the support you gave me from the minute I set foot on Elland Road.
“It really means a lot to me. I totally understand the disappointment with some of you. But for me it is a necessary step to show myself at the highest level and to be able to secure a spot in the national team of Austria for the Euros in 2024.
“I can only wish the club all the best during the time that I’m away. I’ll be supporting you no matter what, wherever I go.”
Wober is one of the few to leave this summer who actually had a positive impact more often than not last season, along with Rodrigo, so some might argue he had earned the right not to play in the Championship.
Whether his place in the national team would have been at risk outside the top flight is likely something that he will have spoken about with his national team coach, former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick.
But it is the fact that he had remained part of the Leeds United squad through all the uncertainty over the takeover and the managerial appointment, and reportedly had said he would stay [Leeds Live, 6 July], only to leave at this stage that comes as the main blow.
He would have been a very useful player to have in the second tier and his exit has obviously seen the promotion hopes take a hit.
Wober could be back in a year’s time if the Whites manage to secure promotion under Farke, so whether this message helps dampen the disappointment among the fanbase roemains to be seen.
But if the Leeds defence struggles once more in the new campaign it is likely that the spotlight will shine all the more brightly on his late exit, than that of Robin Koch, Ras asmus Kristensen and Diego Llorente earlier this summer.
