Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has revealed how he got to know Whites legend Mark Viduka last season.
The Whites are currently on their pre-season tour of Australia, and the players have been blown away by the support Down Under. One of the reasons for Leeds' popularity in Australia is Viduka. The former Socceroos international scored 71 goals in 165 games for the Whites, bagging double figures in four consecutive Premier League seasons in the early 2000s.
Viduka was one of the most clinical strikers in Europe during his time at Elland Road, but with Leeds' financial situation worsening, he was sold to Middlesbrough in 2004, where he continued to maintain a decent goalscoring record.
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"I ruptured my hamstring, spent a lot of time watching the games from the stand and obviously Viduka was invited a lot," Cooper told AAP.
"I met him and his missus and his kids a few times. You're always aware of that connection, but it's plain to see when you come out here.
"I was fortunate to come out here a couple of years ago on the last tour and you really get a feel for the following we've got.
"It's a shame all those fans are on the other side of the world because I'm sure they'd be there if they could during the season.
"We're definitely aware of the connections and it just shows how far our horizons stretch."
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