Alan Smith has revealed the reasons he declined a potential shock return to Leeds United back in 2011.
The Notts County veteran, 34, reportedly had the opportunity to head back to Elland Road about seven years after he left the club for eternal enemies Manchester United.
Smith, who was with Newcastle United at the time, was a target for then-Leeds boss Simon Grayson but insisted he could not return to the West Yorkshire outfit as he feared he would not be able to live up to the lofty expectations he set during the glory days of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
"It was speculation," Smith told FourFourTwo magazine.
"I heard nothing from Simon or Leeds. I don't think I would have gone back - I don't think I could have done myself justice.
"I wasn't the player I had been; I was 33 and not 21, though I could have still had a big influence.
"Better for them is to remember a younger me, and for me to maintain my unbelievable memories at Leeds when it was a different club."
