Liam Cooper has finally officially announced his departure from Leeds United with a move to CSKA Sofia now confirmed.
It is now over two months since Cooper’s contract at Elland Road expired but Leeds have so far held off from announcing anything across their social media platforms.
Cooper has been linked with a number of clubs over the last few weeks and a move to Hull City had looked close towards the end of August, until that fell through.
Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth were among the other sides keen on signing him on a free, but could not come to an agreement on the length of contract.
As such, Cooper has opted for a new overseas venture in what could be the final period of his career, moving to Bulgaria to play for CSKA Sofia.
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Cooper sends message to Leeds fans
Cooper’s exit is the latest of a long line of long-serving players to depart Leeds during the calendar year of 2024.
Both Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling – who were key parts of Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion winning side – also saw their careers at Elland Road come to a close.
Cooper has posted a very long message to Leeds supporters across both his Instagram and Twitter accounts, reserving special thanks for so many people he has crossed paths with over the years.
Marcelo Bielsa was the first name he wanted to express his gratitude towards, with former teammates Ayling, Patrick Bamford, Dan James, Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw all getting a mention.
His statement read: “To the best in the land. After 10 years, seven as your captain, it’s time to say goodbye.
“When I arrived at LUFC, I had one ambition and that was to leave the shirt in a better position than when I arrived. I do believe I have done that, with the help and support of some incredible people.
“Firstly I have to thank Marcelo an his staff. My relationship with Marcelo is well documented, he made me a better player, a better leader and a better man. I would like to thank all of the managers I have worked with in the past decade but Marcelo’s influence on me and the club in general was beyond anything I can put into words.
“I also need to thank all of the coaches, physios and backroom staff past and present, across the first team and academy at Thorp Arch, for everything they have done for me. Many of these people have become more than colleagues over the years. These people help maintain and drive the standards behind-the-scenes and I will miss them all greatly, you all know who you are.
“During my time I have played with so many players, far too many to mention by name, but I do need to give a special mention to a fair few, Bill, Klichy, Adam, Patrick and DJ, who I shared amazing moments with and now unbelievable friendships. The 2020 promotion team was probably the best team I have ever been involved with, a team built on pure hard work and humility. 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.
“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.
“And to the fans, yes the lunatics and the heart beat of our great club. Your unwavering support for myself and the boys meant everything. You will never know how much you drive the players on, my only sadness looking back is not getting to lift that title at Elland Road in front of you.
“I leave the club proud of what we achieved together. I was never perfect, but throughout my time I tried to represent the club with dignity and modesty at all times. 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.
“As I move onto the next chapter of my career, I will look back and be very proud but also hungry for more. Stay loud and stay proud. I’ll see you on the terraces.
“Good luck to Daniel, his staff and Ethan and the boys for the rest of the season. When that train starts it’s difficult to stop.
“On behalf of myself and family – thank you for everything, memories we will cherish forever. Marching on Together.”
Angus Kinnear sends Cooper message after Leeds exit
Angus Kinnear has been the chief executive for much of Cooper’s time at the club and despite some of the criticism he faces from supporters, was part of the regime that brought Bielsa to Leeds.
Kinnear has paid tribute to Cooper in a quick statement on leedsunited.com, highlighting just how ‘special’ his long-serving leadership has been at Elland Road.
He said: “Coops’ 10 years of service to Leeds United is made more special as we live in an age where players, sadly, seldom make long term commitments to one club.
“His leadership, as a warrior on the pitch and as an ambassador off it, has been exemplary and core to the foundations which have seen the club enjoy its most successful period for two decades.
“Whilst he will rightly be remembered for captaining the side to a Premier League return after a 16 year absence, for me, it was his leadership and selflessness to help steer the club through the financial turmoil of the pandemic, which will also give him a unique place in the club’s history.
“It goes without saying, that Elland Road will always be his home.”
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