He has been perennially linked with a return to England since he left Leeds United for St. Etienne in 2011. Having netted 25 goals in 85 appearances for the Elland Road outfit, Gradel confessed that he had decided to leave the club to further his international ambitions. However, just last year the club was linked with a return for the Ivory Coast winger, with then-boss Brian McDermott declaring that any deal would need to be right for now.
He was very good here but that was over two years ago and you cant sign someone because they were a favourite before. Ive done my homework on Max and I know how many games hes played and how many goals hes scored. Any deal for him would need to be right for now because it wouldnt be a cheap one. - Brian McDermott, December 2013.
The 26 year old wide-man ended up staying in France but he was selected for the Ivorian World Cup squad and by all accounts, looked one of the national sides most impressive performers during their brief outing in Brazil.
I know they tried to speak to my agent about coming back. But as much as I love Leeds - and I do have respect for them and their fans - football-wise, you want to improve and move on. I love Leeds and hope one day to go back there. But right now, I am in the top league and want to move forward and play Champions League football. - Max Gradel, January 2013.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
