What They Said: Reaction as Leeds United Promoted to the Premier League After 16 Years

It has been a long wait, but Leeds United will finally be playing Premier League football again next season.

Their promotion to England's top division was confirmed on Friday evening as West Bromwich Albion fell to a 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield. During their absence from the Premier League, they even dropped into League One for three years before making their way back up to the second tier.

Indeed, it was a memorable evening for Leeds fans as they witnessed their famous club gain promotion - without even kicking a ball. But equally, the players also tuned in together to watch the West Brom match, and their reaction as the full-time whistle blew at the John Smith's Stadium was captured in a series of videos.

The celebrations carried on long into the night...

Of course, a large number of players took to their social media accounts to share their delight. Barry Douglas, in particular, alluded to the heartache and difficult moments along the way, but it was all worth it as they have now returned.

Kalvin Phillips also took the opportunity to heap praise on his manager Marcelo Bielsa, who has done a remarkable job with the club. The midfielder, who was recently ruled out for the remainder of the season through injury, described the Argentine as the 'best manager in the world'.

“There’s no manager I would rather be under than Marcelo Bielsa right now," Phillips told BBC Radio Leeds (as quoted by TeamTALK). “At an age when I’m trying to develop, he’s the perfect manager to have. The Premier League is the best league in the world and, after 16 years, we’re back in there.”

Captain Liam Cooper further added: “Our club, our fans and our players have sacrificed so much – we’ve been in the doldrums for 16 years.

“To be part of this team and to lead this team to promotion back to where we know we’ve always belonged is unbelievable.”

Liverpool's James Milner was also quick to congratulate the Peacocks, where he played for two years between 2002 and 2004. In a simple yet meaningful post on his Twitter, Milner shared a picture of himself back in his Leeds days with a 'back where you belong' hashtag.

A number of other famous stars, ranging from ex-footballers to actors also posted congratulatory messages as one of England's biggest clubs finally secured their return...

It's been 16 long years for Leeds fans.

But finally, finally the Premier League is lucky enough to welcome them back to the big time. But before that, Bielsa will undoubtedly be keen to see his side finish the season strongly, with two more games to go.