Dan James flew by helicopter from the birth of his son to play the full 90 minutes in Leeds’ Carabao Cup win over Fulham on Tuesday night.

The former Manchester United winger joined the Whites this summer in a £25million move, showing just how keen Marcelo Bielsa was on James after failing to sign him in 2019.

So keen in fact, that the Leeds boss started James after his three hour helicopter flight from Manchester to London for the victorious cup clash against Fulham.

The new father explained: “My baby boy was born this afternoon, thank you to the manager for letting me be in Manchester for that.

“Absolutely amazing day for me and the Mrs, so proud of her and it was a late one, something we could not change.

“The manager let me do it so I was able to be there for the birth of my baby and come to the game tonight.

“He was born just after 12, the car would have been a bit too long so I ended up getting a helicopter. A bit of an amazing story and one I will always remember.”

James played the full game on Tuesday even netting in the shoot-out after the game finished scoreless after 90 minutes.

He had spent the morning in hospital with his partner Ria Hughes, and was able to spend a few hours with the newborn before jetting down south to London.

James also admitted his departure was so quick they didn’t have time to name the baby, saying: “We don’t have a name yet and will think of a name when we get home.”


https://talksport.com/football/948507/

His wife will be so proud of of him

thats dedication n commitment to the game... Wenger once said "football is a game of passion..