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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Scotland defender Cooper leaves Leeds for 'opportunity overseas'

Scotland defender Liam Cooper has left Leeds United after 10 years with the club.

The centre-back, 33, has exited Elland Road upon the expiry of his contract to take up an opportunity overseas.

Cooper has been linked with a surprise move to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia in recent days - but his next destination has not yet officially been confirmed.

The Scotland internationalist - who was not involved in the Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal - was a hugely popular figure at Leeds having won promotion to the Premier League with the club as captain.

Signed from Chesterfield in 2014, Cooper would go on to play 284 times for Leeds - and would earn his Scotland call-up in 2016 before becoming a regular squad member in 2020.


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A club statement read: "Leeds United can confirm Liam Cooper has left the club to take up an opportunity overseas, following the expiration of his contract.

"The 33-year-old joined the Whites in 2014 and became a hugely popular and influential member of the squad, both on and off the pitch in that time.

"Cooper began his long-standing association with the club after joining from Chesterfield, with Leeds playing in the Sky Bet Championship."

It continued: "A true Leeds United legend, Cooper now departs with the love and best wishes for all those who had the pleasure of working with him, alongside him, supporting him and cheering his name.

"He helped transform the fortunes and culture of the club and had a monumental impact.

"Liam and his family will always be welcome back at Elland Road, he will go down in history as one of the club’s greatest ever captains.

"Thank you for everything, skip."

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