Sporting Lisbon attacker Hadi Sacko may be coming to the end of his one-year loan spell at Leeds United, but the Franco-Malian forward has hinted that he may yet return to Elland Road.
In an emotional tweet posted on Monday, the 23-year-old shared a message he'd written to United fans, thanking them for welcoming him to Yorkshire and raising the possibility that his time with the club isn't over for good.
"Not sure if it's an au revoir or an adieu now, but I really want to thank ALL of the people in Leeds who welcomed me as a real member of this great family," the right-sider began, writing on his @miimosaa handle.
"All the fans giving that incredible atmosphere at home & away games, all the staff, and my partners on and off the pitch," he added. "We had an incredible journey even if we could have enjoyed it a bit longer, no regrets."
Not sure if it's an au revoir or an adieu now... #LUFC #ThankYouSoMuch pic.twitter.com/2dtM2NtW6j
- Hadi Sacko (@miimosaa) May 8, 2017
Sacko scored two goals and contributed three assists in 38 appearances for Garry Monk's side as they defied pre-season predictions and a sluggish start to find themselves nestled in the playoff positions until late in the campaign.
Ultimately, the fallen giants of English football fell short after a late-season slump which saw Fulham replace them in the top six.
Sacko endeared himself to Leeds fans with his eye-catching wing play and his earnest, hard-working performances, even if his decision making in the final third occasionally let him down.
The speedy wideman has never truly realised the potential of his youth, when he shone for Bordeaux and France's youth sides before being snapped up by Sporting on a six-year deal in August 2014.
A reported 60 million Euro release clause was testament to just how highly the Portuguese heavyweights rated the youngster [as per the Yorkshire Post], although the West African has struggled to match these lofty standards.