Liam Cooper has spoken to the media about his recent move to CSKA Sofia, and he says he fell in love with one Leeds United player the instant he arrived.
Cooper, 33, has signed to a two-year contract with historic Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia, which has had a disappointing start to the season. With five defeats in their first six league games, they are currently in the relegation zone.
The Scotland international has been brought in to help the Bulgarian side get back to where they belong in the League, having finished third previous season. He could make his debut on Monday evening.
Cooper completed a 10-year stint at Elland Road, during which he appeared in 284 games and scored 11 goals. Interestingly, he joined Leeds during Massimo Cellino’s debut season at the club in 2014.
Cooper compliments Leeds player Ilia Gruev at CSKA. Sofia interview.
Gruev, 24, joined Leeds from German club Werder Bremen a year ago and failed to break into the team at first. He had to wait for game time, but he was one of the few players who arrived in January.
At the midway point, the quartet joined Patrick Bamford, Junior Firpo, and Wilfried Gnonto in the starting lineup. Gruev, who cost £4 million, has since established himself as an important member of the Leeds team.
Cooper told CSKA Sofia’s website: “Ilia is a fantastic lady. I liked him from the moment he arrived in Leeds. He has a wonderful family and is extremely approachable. I helped him a lot in settling in Leeds.”
Cooper might make his CSKA Sofia debut on Monday evening.
A Sofia derby between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia will take place at 5.45 p.m. Cooper’s new squad is now in 10th place in a 16-team league, and he might make his debut for them tonight.
It needs to be seen whether he is fit and ready to go after not participating in a club’s pre-season. But CSKA Sofia sorely needs a spark from somewhere, and Cooper may be the one to supply it.
Cooper could be on the bench this evening and given a few minutes as CSKA Sofia looks to ease him in. His age and injury history may be considered, but there will be no surprises if he starts.
