A LEEDS United footballer celebrated a man-of-the-match performance by enjoying food at a well-loved local restaurant.

Wilfried Gnonto has made quite the impression since arriving at Elland Road in September.

The forward bagged a brace in the Whites' 5-2 FA Cup third-round replay against Cardiff City last Wednesday.

Two days later, Gnonto went to grab a meal at Tappino's in Cleckheaton town centre.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Gnonto holding the signed shirt with the restaurant's manager Vincenzo CampisiGnonto holding the signed shirt with the restaurant's manager Vincenzo Campisi (Image: Social media)

Owner Pino Bianco was delighted to welcome the Italian and serve him.

He said: "He was supposed to come before Christmas but then he could not make it so he came the other night.

"He said he is going to bring his parents next time. He loved the food.

"I think he appreciated the fact that we do not do traditional Italian food. We do more tapas Italian.

"People went up to him for photos. He was not a snobby kind of guy, he had no problem taking pictures with people.

"He was man-of-the-match on Wednesday then came into our restaurant on Friday."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Willy Gnonto (right), Gaetano Berardi (bottom left) and Ezgjan Alioski have all eaten at Tappino'sWilly Gnonto (right), Gaetano Berardi (bottom left) and Ezgjan Alioski have all eaten at Tappino's (Image: PA)

It is not the first time Pino has catered for Leeds players with former stars Gaetano Berardi and Ezgjan Alioski previously eating at the restaurant.

"We used to have Berardi and Alioski come in all the time," he added.

"They appreciate small little dishes rather than a huge meal.

"We have now got Berardi and Gnonto signed shirts on display in the restaurant.

"Everyone expects them to be different but they are just down-to-earth people. They are not expecting miracles. It is always a pleasure to cook for them."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Pino Bianco is the owner of Tappino'sPino Bianco is the owner of Tappino's (Image: Newsquest)

Tappino's, which has been going for six years, has just recently reopened after Pino and his staff had two weeks off for their holidays.

The owner knows the economic climate is difficult at the moment but he is not worried.

Pino added: "We were shut for two weeks and reopened on Wednesday. We always take holidays in January and August.

"Friday and Saturday we were fully booked. It looks okay.

"It is not what it used to be but I am not pulling my hair out."

He added: "I am known in Cleckheaton because I used to own Aldo's (for 30 years)."

"We are just different. We don't do spaghetti bolognese, Calzones, or pasta, we do more Arancini, Panzerotti, chicken skewers, and Italian sausage.

"People come to the restaurant from everywhere; Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield."