Liam Cooper Explains How Leeds United Teammate Simplified His Decision to Join New Club

After a successful decade with Leeds United, former captain Liam Cooper has embarked on a new phase in his career.

The 33-year-old defender became a free agent this summer after his contract with Leeds expired.

Despite interest from other Championship clubs, Cooper has signed with Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.

The news of Cooper’s move follows the end of his tenure at Elland Road.

He has joined CSKA Sofia to help reverse the team’s poor start to the season.

The Reds have accumulated only three points so far and are positioned second from the bottom in Bulgaria’s First Professional Football League, with only goal difference keeping them above the relegation zone.

CSKA Sofia has endured a difficult start, losing five of their first six matches.

The club will be hoping that Cooper’s seasoned experience and defensive skills can bolster their performance and secure crucial points to lift them in the standings.

Cooper might make his debut when CSKA Sofia faces Lokomotiv Sofia in their upcoming Monday evening fixture.

In anticipation of his debut, Cooper gave an interview on his new club’s website. He spoke about his aspirations to lead and praised his former Leeds teammate, Ilia Gruev.

Cooper revealed that Gruev, who joined Leeds from Werder Bremen last year, played a significant role in his decision to move to CSKA Sofia.

Gruev, a Bulgaria international and Sofia native, provided a glowing endorsement of the club and the city, which greatly influenced Cooper’s decision to make his first move abroad.

Cooper commented, “Ilia is a fantastic person. I liked him from the moment he arrived at Leeds. He has a wonderful family and is very down-to-earth and easy to talk to.

I helped him adjust to life in Leeds, which was a big change for him from Bulgaria and Germany.”

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“We got along very well, and he was one of the first people I spoke to when I heard about CSKA’s interest.

His positive comments about the club, the city, and the fans made my decision easier.

I’m confident that his advice will also help me settle here, whether it’s finding a place to live or recommending a good restaurant. I’ll definitely rely on him in the coming months.”