Planet Swans ArchivesIt was confirmed yesterday that Robinson had signed for Leeds after protracted contract negotiations with the Swans and the statement that announced it suggested that the player wanted until after the play off final to make his decision. That immediately led the Swans fans to suggest that Robbo was only prepared to sign for Leeds if they got promoted and the club told him that the decision had to be made before that factor.
But Robinson has moved swiftly to deny this and says that he actually signed for Leeds on Monday and the announcement was only delayed purely because he needed to inform the Swans of his final decision.
Speaking in today's Western Mail, the player said “The idea that I gave them an ultimatum or a deadline is farcical
“If people want the honest truth, I signed for Leeds on Monday and told Roberto Martinez straight away on Tuesday.
“So it was never about waiting to see which division Leeds are in. Sunday’s result couldn’t have been a factor if I already signed the contract with Leeds.
“I’m not going to be bitter in any way towards a club that has done so much for me over the last five years. But I was a bit disappointed with the statement they put out.
“It makes me look bad and it makes it look like I was waiting for Sunday’s result. But that is absolute garbage.”
He continued: “This decision was not taken lightly. The offers have been on my table for the last four or five weeks.
“I never played the clubs off against each other either. I love and respect both Roberto and Swansea too much to do that.
“Telling Roberto was the hardest conversation I could ever have had with anyone in my life. He is someone I love as a friend and a manager and I will miss him dearly.
“But I looked at the whole package from both clubs and, after several discussions with my closest friends and family, I eventually chose Leeds.
“The fans played a massive part in what I did here,” he said. “I adore them and I will always be a Jack in my heart.
“Had it been another club that came in for me, I wouldn’t have left. It had to be a club with Leeds’ history and tradition to tear me away from Swansea.
“I love what the club did for me and the way they gave me a chance. But I made the most of that chance.
“I am proud to have represented Swansea for the last five years. I will certainly be keeping in touch and coming back to watch the boys when I can.”
“As much as I am excited about joining Leeds, the question of whether I have made the right decision is already at the back of my mind,” he said.
“But you have to make tough choices in football. Only time will tell if I made the right call.
“It was the most difficult decision of my life. I have had five unbelievable years at Swansea City and I truly love the club.
“I have always worked my socks off for the Swans and, while happy to be joining a club like Leeds, I’m gutted to be leaving the Jacks behind."
