Liam Cooper has revealed that Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe was his idol growing up, with the current Elland Road skipper eager to meet ‘The Chief’ face-to-face.  

Leeds are sitting top of the Championship at this current time, but the squad are on lockdown following the outbreak of Covid-19, with Cooper and his teammates kicking their heels waiting for the green light to resume their promotion push.

That break has given the 28-year-old a chance to sit down with Leeds’ official media, however, with questions put to him by supporters.

Amongst those was one asking who was his idol growing up, with Cooper instantly replying with Radebe, who became an icon at Elland Road and in the world game during the late 90s and early noughties.

Cooper stated: "The Chief. He was aggressive, unbelievable player, and a good guy as well.

“I think you can always tell the good guys at Leeds United, as the fans really appreciate them long past their playing days.”

Despite being the current Leeds skipper and joining the club in 2014, Cooper has never had the chance to meet Radebe, whose visits back to Elland Road have been irregular since he retired back in 2005.

It’s still something Cooper wants organising, though.

He continued: “I've actually never got to meet him face-to-face yet, and it'd be nice to do so. He's a legend of the club, and he inspired me when I was younger."

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The Verdict  

Radebe is a real icon of Elland Road, with the South African a legend of the game for his performances and also work with local communities.

He will have been Cooper’s role model as a player, but also as a man. Radebe was the prime example of how a professional should live his life.

A true example to all, Cooper will be itching to meet the man they called ‘The Chief’ at Elland Road.

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