Pablo Hernandez and Simon Grayson react as Liam Cooper waves goodbye to Leeds United

Add as preferred source on Google

Liam Cooper has finally confirmed his exit from Leeds United, more than two months after his Elland Road contract expired with the defender closing in on a move to CSKA Sofia.

Cooper, who turned 33 on deadline day, had not broken his silence on leaving Leeds after 10 years at the club. He joined in Massimo Cellino’s first summer as Leeds owner way back in the summer of 2014.

The signing from Chesterfield was captaining the club a few years later and now leaves Elland Road as a true legend of the club, captaining the side to promotion under Marcelo Bielsa during the 19-20 season.

Injury limited the 19-time Scotland star to 284 appearances during his time in Yorkshire but he is more than deserving of legendary status. Simon Grayson posted a touching message on Leeds’ Instagram post.

• READ MORE: Liam Cooper’s touching message to Leeds supporters on social media

Hernandez also reacts to Cooper’s confirmed Leeds exit

Ask Cooper which was the best player during his 10-year Leeds stint and there is a decent chance he will respond with Pablo Hernandez. While Cooper captained Leeds in 19-20, Hernandez absolutely sparkled.

The scream from Bryn Law when Hernandez scored the only goal of the game against the Spaniard’s old side is music to the ears of Leeds fans still to this day. For Hernandez’s entire stay, Cooper was his skipper.

The former Valencia star took to Instagram to send Cooper a three-word message on his story, agreeing with Grayson that Cooper is indeed a legend of the club and describing him as still, his captain.

• READ MORE: Luke Ayling’s heartfelt message to Cooper this afternoon

The details of Cooper’s move to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia

Cooper had interest from Blackburn but in talks, the two parties could not agree on whether he would sign a one-year deal, or one until 2026. Watford also showed interest in signing the left-footer on a free.

But now, Cooper has made the bold decision to move to Bulgaria and sign for giants CSKA Sofia. He is said to have jetted out to Bulgaria on Tuesday to do a deal with a two-year contract on the table for him.

CSKA Sofia are yet to confirm a deal, but Leeds have officially said that the player will be moving to a club in Europe. His new side have made a poor start to the season, losing five of their six league matches.