14 Facts About Gaetano Berardi

Gaetano Michel Berardi was born on 21 August 1988 and is a Swiss former professional footballer who played as a defender.

Gaetano Berardi has been capped at international level by Switzerland.

Gaetano Berardi made his professional debut on 30 June 2007, in a winning away game against Pescara.

Gaetano Berardi made 26 starts in total for Brescia in Serie A, although Brescia were relegated at the end of the season after finishing in 19th position.

Club president Massimo Cellino confirmed that Gaetano Berardi had taken a wage cut to join Leeds.

Gaetano Berardi made his Leeds debut on 12 August 2014, starting the League Cup match against Accrington Stanley, but was sent off for a "mid-air sliding tackle" and received a three-match ban as a result.

Gaetano Berardi finished the season in strong form at left back, starting 10 of the last 11 games and becoming a fans' favourite for his performances.

On 21 September 2015, after becoming a highly popular player with the fans for his consistent displays at both right back or left back positions, Gaetano Berardi signed a two-year contract extension with the club lasting until 2018.

The ban was later reduced after appeal due to the severity of the elbow Gaetano Berardi received from Best, provoking the reaction.

Gaetano Berardi was nominated for the Leeds United Player of the Year award, alongside Charlie Taylor, Liam Bridcutt, Mirco Antenucci and Lewis Cook, though it was awarded to Taylor, whilst he finished second in the voting for the Yorkshire Evening Post Player of the Year award, runner-up to eventual winner Taylor.

However upon his return from injury, Gaetano Berardi was kept out the side due to the impressive form of new right back Luke Ayling.

Rob Price, Leeds' Head of Medicine, revealed the seriousness of the injury by revealing Gaetano Berardi "tore his hamstring completely off the bone".

Gaetano Berardi announced his retirement from football on 31 May 2023.

Gaetano Berardi played his first match for Switzerland at senior level against Liechtenstein on 10 August 2011.