Leeds United man says he is “sometimes ashamed” of his wages at Elland Road

Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen says he is “sometimes ashamed” of the money he earns playing football. The defender joined the Whites from FC Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2022 for a fee estimated to be around £10m.

He played 26 times in his first season for the Whites but was unable to help the club retain their Premier League status. Kristensen headed to Italian club Roma on loan last summer following United’s relegation to the Championship.

Kristensen has played 31 times for the Giallorossi in the 2023/24 campaign, but it is not yet clear whether the Serie A side will look to sign him permanently following the appointment of new sporting director Florian Ghisolfi. The 26-year-old is currently with Denmark at the European Championships, helping the Danes reach the last 16 of the tournament. Kristensen was an unused substitute in Denmark’s three group stage matches.

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When questioned about his salary at Elland Road, Kristensen said in a recent interview with Danish TV channel Midtvest: “It’s not me who decides how much money I make. I am offered a contract and then politely say yes thank you. But it’s crazy that there’s so much money in football.

“It can be a shame that we, as footballers, win so much. In fact, sometimes I feel ashamed.”

Kristensen, considered to be one of United’s biggest earners, added: “I don’t really do anything important and it’s hard to say what I actually contribute to society. The only argument I have for us making so much money is that football means a lot to a lot of people And here in Italy football is almost on a par with religion.

Kristensen is set to hold talks with the Elland Road hierarchy following Denmark’s participation in Euro 2024. The Danes face Germany in the round of 16 today.