Former Leeds Midfielder Gradel Turned Down Arsenal for Leicester

Max-Alain Gradel, a legend in the Ivory Coast national team, shared insights into his career that spanned from the Ivory Coast to France and England, highlighting his time with Leicester City.

Having trained with Arsenal for four months, Gradel made the pivotal decision to turn down a scholarship contract with the Gunners and opted for a professional contract with Leicester City, who were playing in a lower-level league at the time.

Gradel reflected on his experience with top clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal, appreciating the training opportunities he had. While Arsenal offered him a scholarship contract after his four-month trial, he prioritized signing a professional contract to kickstart his career at a slightly lower level.

The Ivorian winger emphasized the importance of signing a professional contract and earning his place in professional football, despite enjoying his time at Arsenal. Gradel believed that opting for a professional contract with a team like Leicester City would provide him with more playing opportunities and a stable foundation for his career.

With Leicester City, Gradel embarked on his professional journey, eventually having successful stints in the English Championship, Premier League, and French Ligue 1. His decision to join Leicester City paid off, culminating in satisfying seasons in various top leagues.

Reflecting on his time at Leeds United, Gradel expressed his deep love for the club and the city. During his tenure at Leeds, he scored 22 goals in 63 appearances, showcasing his dedication to the team even during challenging times, stating that he would have played for free to support them.

Gradel expressed his joy in seeing Leeds United progress positively and hoped for their return to the English Premier League, highlighting the special bond he shares with the club and the fans. His contributions to Leeds United remain cherished by supporters.

In French football, Gradel left a lasting impact with his impressive performances at Saint-Etienne, where he scored 17 league goals in a single season. His leadership qualities were evident during his captaincy at Toulouse, cementing his legacy in French football.

As a key figure in the Ivory Coast national team, Gradel amassed over 100 caps and scored 18 goals in 113 appearances. He served as the former captain and mainstay winger for his country, earning the third-highest appearance record in the national team's history, surpassing even legends like Didier Drogba.

Gradel participated in a World Cup and seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning two African Cup of Nations titles with the Ivory Coast. His contributions on the international stage solidified his status as a legendary figure in Ivorian football history, inspiring future generations.