Vinnie Jones has claimed that leaving Leeds United was one of the things that hurt him most in his career.

The 54-year-old joined the Whites from Wimbledon in 1989 and helped the Yorkshire club achieve promotion back to the First Division under manager Howard Wilkinson.

Despite putting in some impressive performances, the midfielder left Leeds at the beginning of the 1990 season, having lost his place in the side following the arrival of Gary McAllister and the emergence of David Batty and Gary Speed.

[freshpress-poll ]

The midfielder made 46 league appearances for Leeds, scoring five times.

Jones joined Sheffield United under the stewardship of Dave Bassett who had been his manager at Wimbledon.

Speaking to Leeds Live, the former Wales international revealed that leaving the west Yorkshire club was one of the most painful experiences of his career.

He said: "Talk about mental health and things like that, I was in a bad way when I left here.

"It ******* hurt me, big time–‘what have I done?’. I ran to Sheffield United because it was Dave Bassett, I should have waited, I should never have left.

“But if it was going to be them two [McAllister and Batty], it was going to be them two, but if it was going to three of us… It hurt. It’s one of the biggest hurts I’ve had in football, leaving here.

"I should have been embedded in the brickwork somewhere. It wasn’t to be, but to be invited back is brilliant.

“Everywhere around the world, Leeds fans come up to me and regard me as very special and that’s ******* awesome.”

Under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds are searching for a return to the English top-flight after a 15-year absence.

They're well set as things stand and sit third in the Championship–only outside the automatic promotion places on goal difference.

The Verdict

Jones was an integral part of Leeds' promotion-winning side under Wilkinson and no doubt holds a special place in the hearts of many fans of the Yorkshire club.

These latest comments from the ex-Whites midfielder will likely only increase his standing in the minds of the Elland Road faithful.

As seems to be the case with many former players, Jones appears to still feel a strong connection to Leeds and he will be hoping Bielsa's squad can repeat his success under Wilkinson.