Leeds appointed Gracia after Jesse Marsch left the club in a deep relegation struggle and the Whites saw a momentary rise in form under the Spaniard.
After a series of heavy defeats, the Leeds hierarchy decided to part ways with Gracia, but Orta opposed the decision and departed the club.
Gracia stated that his time with the Yorkshire outfit has been an enriching experience for him and claimed that Leeds were one of the clubs where he felt at ease.
The former Whites boss credited Orta for his qualities that made him a pleasant person to be around and revealed that he was saddened to see the Spaniard leave the club.
“I can honestly say my time at Leeds has been an enriching experience, and the human qualities of Victor Orta have been an authentic pleasure to be around”, Gracia told The Athletic.
“It was one of the places in my career where they have made me feel good and comfortable in myself.
“Personally I did not know Victor very well before taking the job.
“I had never spent time with him previously.
“It’s been a very intense period.
“It hurt me a lot to lose my job, but I have to say Victor’s exit is just as difficult for me, if not more.”
Leeds have appointed Sam Allardyce to replace Gracia and have yet to announce their new sporting director.
