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David Seaman has revealed that when his boyhood club, Leeds United, released him in 1982, he was more than a little emotional.

Speaking to the Sky Sports programme celebrating his career, the former goalkeeper explained how he even broke down in tears when he received the news.

“I was signing for my boyhood club,” he said.

“I supported Leeds all the time, still do, still look at their scores and everything.

“To go down there and sign for Leeds was great for me.

“John Lukic used to pick me up from Rotherham, take me to training and we’d work together.

“I was only 16, 17, 18, 19. I got some great coaching off John [Lukic].

“That was the biggest life lesson I’ve had,” he added. “It was the lowest moment in football I’d ever had.

“When you get told at 19, by one of your idols, Eddie Gray who was manager then, that you’re getting released, I remember crying my eyes out.

“That was the brutal truth of it: they let me go because they didn’t think I’d be good enough.”

Since Seaman was back-up to John Lukic during his time at Leeds, he never got to play for the club he supported before he was released and joined Peterborough United. However, somewhat ironically, when the England international signed for Arsenal from QPR in 1990, it was Lukic, the man who used to pick him up and help him train while at Leeds, who had to make way for him. In fact, Lukic went the other way – he signed back for United!

After a 13-year career in north London where he made over 400 appearances, not including the 75 he played for England, Seaman spent a year at Manchester City before retiring in 2004.