“I immediately felt good” – Leeds man reveals manager conversation on Zoom convinced him

Leeds United striker Joël Piroe has explained how Suriname manager Henk ten Cate convinced him to sign for them and abandon the Netherlands.

Voetbal International have an interview with the Leeds striker this week. He discusses various topics, including why a transfer away from Elland Road isn’t on the cards yet.

An exit had looked likely after he fell behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the pecking order. Rather than transfer news, though, the big news this month for Piroe has been him choosing Suriname.

He had already been approached by the national team when Stanley Menzo was in charge previously. These approaches were turned down, though, as Piroe was always determined to play for the Netherlands. The Leeds striker has player for the Oranje at U20 level previously.

An opportunity has never been handed to him at senior level, though. That’s despite him impressing with Leeds in the Championship.

Now he’s decided to change, courtesy of a little persuasion from Ten Cate. He replaced Menzo at the help at the beginning of the year. And it seems one of his first tasks was to get the Leeds man and his father on Zoom to convince him to change allegiance.

“He really got me thinking and convinced me to make this choice,” he said.

“We were both impressed by Mr. Ten Cate’s story. Ten Cate has an openness and honesty that immediately resonated with me. I immediately felt good.

“He convinced me with his story, was transparent about his plans for the team and the role he envisions for me. A spark was kindled.

“When I told (my father) about my decision, I saw a twinkle in his eye. He gave me a hug, congratulated me, and told me how proud he was of me. He already is, but this is, of course, something special for him as well.”