Leeds United Football Club - Harte Joins Levante
Ian Harte has completed his move to newly promoted Spanish side Levante.
The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international has signed a four year deal with the Spaniards and joins the long list of players heading out of the exit door at Elland Road this summer.
Harte joins high profile names such as Alan Smith, Paul Robinson, Mark Viduka, James Milner Stephen McPhail and club captain Dominic Matteo who have all moved on to pastures new in an attempt by the board to release funds for new boss Kevin Blackwell.
By releasing the high earners Blackwell can now concentrate on rebuilding the squad.
Harte expressed his sadness at leaving Leeds but says he sees it as a new chapter in his career.
"I'm sad to be leaving Leeds as they are the only club I have ever played for but I see this as a fantastic opportunity to further my career.
"It's exciting times for Levante as they have just been promoted and I'm really looking forward to it.
"I spoke to them in the summer and they seem very ambitious and I can't wait to play in La Liga.
"But I don't see why Leeds can't get back in the Premiership, the players Kevin has brought in are very capable of winning promotion."
Harte made 199 league appearances for The Whites and during the club's successful Champions League campaign was linked with Barcelona. He also scored 39 goals for Leeds and his ability from set pieces was a valuable asset to the side.
Ian Harte has completed his move to newly promoted Spanish side Levante.
The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international has signed a four year deal with the Spaniards and joins the long list of players heading out of the exit door at Elland Road this summer.
Harte joins high profile names such as Alan Smith, Paul Robinson, Mark Viduka, James Milner Stephen McPhail and club captain Dominic Matteo who have all moved on to pastures new in an attempt by the board to release funds for new boss Kevin Blackwell.
By releasing the high earners Blackwell can now concentrate on rebuilding the squad.
Harte expressed his sadness at leaving Leeds but says he sees it as a new chapter in his career.
"I'm sad to be leaving Leeds as they are the only club I have ever played for but I see this as a fantastic opportunity to further my career.
"It's exciting times for Levante as they have just been promoted and I'm really looking forward to it.
"I spoke to them in the summer and they seem very ambitious and I can't wait to play in La Liga.
"But I don't see why Leeds can't get back in the Premiership, the players Kevin has brought in are very capable of winning promotion."
Harte made 199 league appearances for The Whites and during the club's successful Champions League campaign was linked with Barcelona. He also scored 39 goals for Leeds and his ability from set pieces was a valuable asset to the side.