Leeds United cult hero reveals plans for UK return to join Whites fans in the away end — YEP 24/2/24
Whites cult hero Gaetano Berardi has revealed his desire to experience the Leeds United away day atmosphere once again.
By Graham Smyth
Berardi made a name for himself with supporters thanks to a
taste for the physical side of the game and an unflinching commitment to win
the ball. He spent seven years with Leeds, making 157 appearances, and was
called upon 22 times by Marcelo Bielsa during the Championship title win of
2020. A serious knee injury disrupted the final stages of his time at Elland
Road, but he did play twice in the Premier League before an emotional departure
in the summer of 2021.
Berardi, who has since retired from playing and taken his
first steps towards a coaching career, now writes a column for The Square Ball
fanzine. His latest effort, on sale now, recognises the sacrifice Leeds fans
make to follow their team on the road, which is particularly appropriate this
week at the end of a mammoth travel schedule.
The Whites faced Bristol City away on a Friday night,
Plymouth Argyle away on a Tuesday, Swansea City away on a Tuesday and Plymouth
once more, away, on the following Saturday - at 12.30pm no less. Making the
journey to all four was a Hurculean effort and yet some can boast that they
were there to see Leeds go unbeaten through that stretch.
"The Championship is a tough and long league,"
said Berardi. "It’s not easy to manage so many, many games, for the fans
too. Travelling for miles on the weekends and in the middle of the week, it’s a
big effort. It’s impressive how Leeds fans sell out everywhere. I really loved
to play away from home with so many supporters, that’s why an away win has a
very big value."
Berardi is in the process of trying to join the away support
and hopes to be among their number soon. "I’m trying to organise a trip to
watch a Leeds away game," he said. "It’s difficult to find the right
day to fly with my plans, but I’m trying for sure. Let’s see what happens in
the next few weeks."
The Swiss defender's name continues to ring out whenever
Leeds fans are gathered, at home, away or en route to games, which means a lot
to him. He said: "It’s nice to know that people are still singing my name
at Elland Road. Sometimes I get sent videos taken during the matches or at
half-time where fans are singing my chant. It’s great." Berardi was
watching on from afar as Leeds ran out 3-1 winners over Championship-leading
Leicester City in a madcap game at Elland Road on Friday night. His song was
among the very first heard from the South Stand.
