Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch says he has no grudge against Kalvin Phillips over his move to Manchester City.
Marsch says he could only be happy for his former player.
“First with Kalvin: man, what a great guy," he said. “I enjoyed him so much, having him here. We talked a lot about what it would be like if he stayed and how to help him continue to be the best player he could be."
He added: “I feel like it's not easy to say goodbye because he's so good, but if you love people you want the best for them, in their life and in their career. Leeds fans should be really proud of everything he's meant to the club and we should all be fans of him and want to see him [succeed].
“The first text I sent to him was 'I can't wait to see you lift the Champions League trophy.' That's how I feel about Kalvin and I wish nothing but the best for him."
Marsch also said: “I knew, when the season was over, based on some conversations he and I had, once this opportunity came, it was one he had to take.
“None of us wanted to see him go because we value him so much as a person and as a player.
“Even when I heard things like 'well he doesn't fit in my system,' I totally disagree with that. He's a good player, he can play in any system because he has so much quality, but once it got more and more serious, all I wanted was the best for him."
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