'Gave me peace of mind' - Raphinha hails Sheffield Wednesday's Liam Cooper for help at Leeds United
Brazil star Raphinha hails Sheffield Wednesday's Liam Cooper for help at Leeds United
Brazil star Raphinha has hailed his former Leeds United teammate Liam Cooper for providing him with “peace of mind”.
The winger starred for Leeds between 2020 and 2022, endearing himself to the Elland Road faithful with his flair and penchant for the spectacular.
He eventually sealed a dream move to Barcelona, joining the Spanish giants in a deal reported to be worth £55m.
Raphinha’s stock soared during his time in West Yorkshire and it was his exploits in the Premier League that pushed him into the Brazil fold. Now 29, the tricky wideman is representing his country at a World Cup for the second time.
Raphinha salutes ex-Leeds United teammate
At a press conference ahead of Brazil’s tournament opener against Morocco, Raphinha was asked about his former Leeds teammate Cooper by The Scottish Sun. The defender, who is now on the books of Sheffield Wednesday, served as Leeds captain during Raphinha’s two years in LS11.
Raphinha said: “Liam was a guy who really helped me a lot from the very first day I arrived at Leeds United. He helped me to adapt, especially with the language because I didn’t speak it. I had no English at all, and I wasn’t used to the football there, and especially the cold weather.
“Liam was someone who really helped me adapt into the club and brought me in with all the players. Without understanding anything, he tried to talk to me.
“I look back, and Liam was someone who gave me peace of mind to be able to play good football at Leeds. It was really important to have support from someone like him who had been at the club longer.”
Raphinha and Liam Cooper’s current positions
Raphinha has flourished in Spain and is widely considered to be among the world’s best players. Brazil will be hoping he can conjure up some magic to fire them to World Cup glory 24 years on from their last triumph.
Cooper, meanwhile, is not part of the Scotland squad selected by Steve Clarke for this year’s tournament. He was last capped by the Tartan Army in 2024 and with the defender due to turn 35 in August, a recall looks unlikely.
Wednesday have tabled a contract offer to the centre-back but there has not yet been confirmation of a signature.