Sam Byram: 'Difficult to leave Leeds United'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 20 January 2016

New West Ham signing Sam Byram admits that it was difficult to say goodbye to Leeds, where he spent 11 years on his way through the ranks.

New West Ham United full-back Sam Byram has admitted that it was difficult for him to leave Leeds United.

The 22-year-old agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Hammers this afternoon, bringing an end to an 11-year stay at Elland Road that saw him rise through the youth ranks at the club.

Byram eventually made his senior debut in the 2012-13 season before going on to make 143 appearances for the club, each of which he regards as an "honour and privilege".

"From 10 years old and in the Academy, right up until now, I can honestly say it has been an absolute honour and privilege every time I have had the opportunity to pull on the Leeds United shirt," Byram said in a statement posted on Twitter.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Leeds for all that you have done to help me - the president, my managers, past and present, all the staff - I wish you all the very best going forward.

"Also a huge thank you to all the fans for all the support over the last four seasons, through all the ups and downs, it really has been appreciated. I want to wish the team the very best for the rest of the season, it's so hard saying bye to such a good group of lads and close friends."

The fee to bring Byram to Upton Park is thought to be around £3.7m.