Leeds United legend reveals driving factor behind new challenge and 'always in my heart' admission
Leeds United legend Liam Cooper says he 'couldn't refuse' the offer to move to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia ahead of his potential debut today. The former Whites defender made the move to Europe after a 10-year stint at Elland Road which saw him lead the club back into the Premier League.
Scotland international Cooper left Leeds this summer at the end of his contract, with the 33-year-old weighing up several offers before optiing to join CSKA Sofia. It's a big move for the defender, but he is relishing the challenge of a new country and culture after such a long spell at Leeds.
His new side play city rivals Lokomotiv this evening, and speaking ahead of the game, Cooper revealed the thinking behind the switch, with offers from England on the table, including Hull City.
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“I am 100 percent convinced," Cooper told CSKA Sofia’s website. "I spent an amazing 10 years at Leeds, the club that will always be my home and close to my heart. But it was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.
“European football for a huge club in Bulgaria is all I wanted, to challenge myself in a new culture and a new environment. I’ve never had an opportunity like this. This one seems good for me and my family.”
Cooper made 284 appearances in Leeds United colours after signing from Chesterfield in 2014, and was made captain by Neil Redfearn before becoming a key part of Marcelo Bielsa's promotion-winning side.
Speaking on his departure last week, current boss Daniel Farke said: "It was a pleasure and a privilege to be allowed to be his manager for the last 12 months. I've also played several times against him, also in his prime. So what can I say? A fantastic footballer, a fantastic human being, an unbelievable person. He's a real club legend.
"What he has done for this club in the last decade is more or less second to none. He fits our mantra, side before self. And, yes, he will always be with us, also in our hearts, and will always be a club legend. What he has done for this club, will live forever. From the bottom of my heart, I wish him all the best for the future, for whatever comes up, and probably also some exciting tasks.
"But I also know when I have a question or I need him with some recommendations, or I need him to be there to support Leeds United, he is there within a second, and will be with us also in his thoughts. I think it was also good that he finished with a strong last season, with 90 points. He didn't play each and every game, but he was still unbelievably important within our group.
"There was no doubt there was just one captain, one skipper in our group, that was Liam Cooper. And whenever you need to help on the pitch, he was there and delivered, and I could always count on him It was a pleasure to be allowed to work with him."