Ex-Leeds United veteran Liam Cooper will reportedly join CSKA Sofia and play for a different club for the first time since 2014 when he played for Chesterfield during the 2013-14 season.
The 33-year-old’s departure marked the end of an era at Elland Road, as he had been with The Whites for 10 years. Cooper joined Leeds in 2014 and the Scottish player made 284 appearances during his time with Leeds, scoring 11 goals and recording six assists across all competitions.
Additionally, the center-back was part of the team that won the 2019-20 EFL Championship to earn promotion to the Premier League. Nonetheless, all good football stories end one way or another and this June, the player left after his contract expired.
Liam Cooper says goodbye to Leeds
Now that his move to the Bulgarian side appears imminent, Cooper wrote a letter to Leeds supporters to say goodbye as he begins a new chapter of his career.
“When I arrived at LUFC I had one ambition and that was to leave the shirt in a better position than when I arrived,” Cooper stated in his letter that was published on Leeds official website. “I do believe I have done that, with the help and support of some incredible people.”
Among Cooper’s many achievements at Leeds, the shining moment was his promotion to the Premier League in 2020. The defender also noted that it was the best team he’d ever been a part of during his career.
“The 2020 promotion team was probably the best team I have ever been involved with, a team built on pure hard work and humility,” Cooper added. “The weight of the shirt is very heavy, but we put side before self and came together to achieve something special with memories that will last forever.”
Finally, Cooper reflected on the legacy he leaves behind, playing at Elland Road for a decade, seven of which he served as the club’s captain.
“I leave the Club proud of what we achieved together, I was never perfect, but throughout my time I tried to represent you and the club with dignity and modesty at all times,” Cooper concluded.
“I’ve met some truly inspiring individuals in the community over the last 10 years from all walks of life. I appreciate each and every one of you, for making me a better person and proving far and wide that some things are more important than football.”