[6] The team also managed to finally stay clear of the relegation zone, and he netted the goal that saved them from the drop, the only one in an away win over Sheffield United on 13 April 2002;[7] two weeks later, he extended his contract for a further two years.
[13][5] In late December 2005, Leitão signed a pre-contract with Beira-Mar in his country, citing homesickness as a factor in his sudden departure from English football.
[14] Though the deal did not come into effect until June 2006, both Merson (now the team's manager) and chairman Jeff Bonser offered to release the player earlier, in recognition of the dedication he had given to the club in his five and a half years of service.
The penultimate of his 262 competitive matches for Walsall (71 goals) was a 3–0 defeat away to Bristol City, in which he also suffered a groin injury; in his last, at Bescot Stadium against Blackpool, he was treated to a near half-hour rendition of his name by the home fans, eventually being reduced to tears before leaving the field through a guard of honour composed of some of his teammates.
[15][5] After helping Beira-Mar promote to the Primeira Liga in 2006, Leitão had his only experience in the competition, scoring twice in ten appearances as the Aveiro side were immediately relegated.