RYAN Leonard has shrugged off the record fee Millwall paid for him – and said it was a “massive sigh of relief” to complete the move.
Leonard became the club’s record signing when he joined from Sheffield United on August 31 for a fee that could rise to £1.5million.
Midfielder Leonard decided to leave the Blades after seeing his game time limited after joining them from Southend last January.
“It didn’t work out. It was an opportunity I had but I wasn’t playing many games coming from Southend where I was playing all the time,” he said. “It was difficult to go from playing to not playing.
“For me it was a football decision, it was a decision I had to make for myself. I’m just very happy that Millwall thought that highly of me to put in the bid and thankfully it got accepted.
“It’s nice to be appreciated, but I’m not thinking about the fee.
“I’ve come here to do well for the football club and the fans, to win games and score goals. To me the fee doesn’t mean anything.
“I was in training in Sheffield on the Friday morning when I found out the bid was accepted. It was all hectic but it was a massive sigh of relief.
“It’s about coming to a club I’ve played at many times and not always enjoyed playing here as an away player, so I’m looking forward to experiencing it on the right side.
“Since I signed I’ve put things on social media and the fans here have been brilliant and welcomed me. I’d like to thank them for that, it’s much appreciated.
“So far so good and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
*Read a long interview with Ryan Leonard in this week’s print version of Southwark News.
Image: Millwall FC