Leeds United celebrate their 100th anniversary as a club on Thursday, and they'll be hoping they can make a long-awaited return to the Premier League this season to make the occasion. 

It's been an up and down few years for the Whites, who achieved success both in the top-flight and on the European stage in the Champions League in the past.

Leeds' supporters have had their fair share of fans favourites over those years, and one former player has wished the club well on their special day.

Former Leeds defender Pontus Jansson issued a heartwarming message to his former club on their anniversary, which the Elland Road faithful are certain to love.

Jansson was part of the Leeds team that narrowly missed out on promotion to the top-flight last season, after they were beaten by Derby County in their play-off semi-final.

That game proved to be Jansson's final game for Marcelo Bielsa's side as he left the club during the summer transfer window in favour of a move to Brentford, in what was a surprising move to many of the Leeds supporters.

He made 120 appearances in total for the Whites, and this message hints that Leeds are still a club that he hold in high regard for helping him make his breakthrough into English football.

Leeds will be hoping to mark the occasion this weekend with a positive result, but it'll be far from easy as they come up against a Birmingham City side that have shown signs of improvement under Pep Clotet this season.

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The Verdict: 

Leeds fans will love this message from their former defender.

Jansson was a firm fans favourite at Elland Road during his time with the club, and he strikes me as the sort of player that Leeds fans would take back in a heartbeat if they were offered the chance.

It'll be interesting to see who they bring into their side if they're to win promotion to the Premier League this season, and Jansson will surely be regretting his move to Brentford if they do.