Boro defender Ayling 'hurt' by Leeds departure

Luke Ayling has played 32 games for Middlesbrough since joining in January

Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling said that he was "hurt" at bringing an end to his career at Leeds United.

Ayling was with his former club for seven-and-a-half seasons and made 268 appearances for them.

But the 33-year-old left to join Boro initially on loan last January, before making the move permanent in the summer.

"Leaving Leeds hurt then, and to leave the boys I'd spent five, six, seven years with certainly hurt," he said.

Ayling was a key member of the Leeds side that won the Championship in 2020, ending a 16-year period outside the top flight for the Yorkshire giants.

He was there for their three-year stay in the Premier League, but was unable to prevent their relegation in 2023.

And his departure came after losing his place in the team under Leeds' current boss Daniel Farke.

"I found it tough to leave at the time that I did," Ayling told the My Mate's A Footballer podcast.

"I still felt like I could help the team and get them to where they wanted to go.

"But it all came down to myself wanting to play football. It was either stay there for six months, sit on the bench or even not make the squad, or get out and play some football.

"I've been given a home at Boro and I'm really enjoying it."

Luke Ayling was part of the Leeds team that won the Championship in 2020 alongside players such as Kalvin Phillips (left)

'Tough last 18 months at Leeds'

Ayling was swayed by receiving a call from Boro head coach Michael Carrick telling him how much he was wanted at the Riverside Stadium.

He has quickly settled on Teesside and with Jonny Howson injured, Ayling has been handed the captain's armband.

"Speaking to someone like Michael and him showing how much he wants me gave me the confidence I needed at the time.

"My confidence was a bit low - we had just finished in the Premier League and it didn't finish too well. It was a tough 18 months really.

"So to have Michael say he really wants me to come to the club and put my mark on things, it was just nice."