Stuart Dallas pays tribute to former Leeds United star who was 'more than a teammate'

A picture of Stuart Dallas [right] celebrating Leeds United's promotion to the Premier League with Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper [centre]
-Credit: (Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)


Stuart Dallas has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate Liam Cooper after the defender confirmed his new club.

The two have been good friends having been at Elland Road together for almost a decade and were key parts of Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion winning side in 2020. Cooper posted an emotional message to confirm his switch to CSKA Sofia thanking the likes of Bielsa, Luke Ayling, Patrick Bamford, Dan James, Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw, but he had a special mention for Dallas.

“I also have to mention one man in particular who has been by my side through everything, Stu. The bond between us lives beyond football and it was an honour to share some of the best days of my career together with him. He showed me the way all too many times and I will never forget that," he posted.

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The former Northern Ireland international, who announced his retirement from the game back in April, took to 'X' to pay his own tribute to Cooper in reply.

Dallas posted: "More than a teammate. Looked after me from day 1. An example to every young kid, both on and off the pitch especially at Leeds. I know how much it meant to you to lead our club and I’m proud of you for how you’ve represented both yourself and the club. Thank you @LiamCooper."

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