Former Carlisle United loan defender Liam Cooper has made a move to Bulgarian football.

He has joined CSKA Sofia after the end of his long spell with Leeds United.

Cooper, who spent half a season with the Blues in 2010/11, spent the last decade at Elland Road.

But the 33-year-old has now completed an overseas move for the next stage of his career.

CSKA have handed the ex-Blues man a two-year deal. The club sit second bottom of the Bulgarian First League after six games.

Cooper's move was confirmed after he issued a public message of appreciation to Leeds and their fans.

“After ten years, seven as your captain, it’s time to say goodbye," he wrote on social media.

“When I arrived at LUFC, I had one ambition and that was to leave the shirt in a better position than when I arrived. I do believe I have done that, with the help and support of some incredible people.

“I leave the club proud of what we achieved together. I was never perfect, but throughout my time I tried to represent the club with dignity and modesty at all times."

Cooper, who was on loan at Carlisle in the 2010/11 season, spent ten years with LeedsCooper, who was on loan at Carlisle in the 2010/11 season, spent ten years with Leeds (Image: PA)

Cooper was signed on loan from Hull City when Greg Abbott was Carlisle's manager in January 2011.

The defender came in after the loss of fellow loanee James Chester, who had starred for the Blues in the first half of the campaign.

He went on to make seven appearances and scored one goal for the Cumbrians - his goal coming on his debut in a 4-0 League One win over Bristol Rovers.

Cooper went on to play for Huddersfield Town and Chesterfield before joining Leeds in 2014, making 280 appearances for the Elland Road club.