Former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain Lucas Radebe has explained the emotions he felt after being brought out at Elland Road ahead of his ex-team's Premier League clash against Brighton Hove Albion.
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For the best part of a decade after 1994, South African football fans were able to witness one of their own dominate in arguably the world's toughest division, the Premier League.
In England, Radebe would go on to become an all-time great as he captained Leeds during a successful period for the club, before serious injuries forced him to retire in 2005.
Still, the former Bafana Bafana captain holds legendary status at Elland Road, as displayed two weekends ago when he was brought out to a rousing reception before the team's 2-2 league draw with Brighton.
Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Radebe recalled his most recent visit to his former club and expressed his gratitude at the incredible response he got from fans.
How was your recent trip back to Leeds?
I think I had one of the best trips ever in my life and my career, the club that introduced me to the Premier League and kept the relationship going after retirement after 11 years serving the club as a footballer, but the appreciation and the respect that they gave me all the time after I arrived at the club, especially now recently… it was absolutely amazing.
You know, it does feel like I'm one of them and that I belong to the club. It's my home, and I always love going back whatever the conditions are. After the pandemic, this was the first time watching them in the Premier League and that meant a lot to me. I mean, the response from the fans, the response from the officials at the club during the week; we were travelling with them doing a bit of work with the Leeds United Foundation, it was absolutely amazing.
It's something I treasure and will always remember. Leeds United is one of those clubs, you know, that have really escalated me to the highest level. For me, it holds great value. It's very close to my heart and I'll always cherish the time that I spent at the club. The chairman [Andrea Radrizzani], I have got a good relationship with him, Angus Kinnear (Leeds United CEO), Paul Bell (Leeds United executive director).
My recent trip was fantastic. Being introduced to the crowd on the field, it brought back memories and emotions I can't explain. I'm honoured to have been part of this club and still. Hopefully I will play a bigger part at a later stage. I'm just wishing them the best of luck and I hope they continue doing good work, especially in the community.
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