Leeds United fans heartbroken as Marcelo Bielsa translator Andres Clavijo leaves club - Evening Standard 2/3/22
By Marc Mayo
Andres Clavijo, who became a cult hero at Leeds United as
Marcelo Bielsa’s translator, has left the club.
After two years as the Argentine’s interpreter for media
duties and team talks, alongside his role as first-team performance analyst,
the Londoner has revealed his own exit following Bielsa’s.
“Thank you for the overwhelming messages of support,” he
posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “I am sad to report that I too will be
leaving the club alongside Marcelo and the rest of his staff.
“It has been an incredible two years at the club. I was
treated as one of your own from the first moment, and I am immensely grateful
for that. The club and the fans will forever hold a special place in my heart.
“Thank you to all the staff, players, and fans for some
unforgettable memories.”
Patrick Bamford spoke last year of how Clavijo was a popular
figure behind the scenes at Elland Road, with his job description including
having to translate and reel off Bielsa’s furious half-time team talks.
The striker revealed: “He's a proper little geezer you know!
He's from London, he's a good guy.
“He does the individual meetings for the translation as well
and if you're walking in there he'll be like, ‘You've got it today, he's on a
mad one!’.”
Leeds fans were left heartbroken by the decision to let
Clavijo go, after the arrival of new boss Jesse Marsch.
One supporter wrote on social media: “Farewell sweet
prince.”
Another commented: “Thanks for everything Andres! Welcome
back any time.”
