'European Super League would've changed the nature' - Leeds United legend believes club helped save Premier League

If the recently proposed European Super League had its way, then the dreams of players such as Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe would have been crushed.

The South African born star made 256 appearances for the Whites as he ingrained himself into the hearts of those who watched him at Elland Road over the course of an 11-year stint in West Yorkshire.

The Chief, as he is affectionately known, went on to become one of the most memorable central defenders to ever play for the club, having joined the United ranks in 1994 from Premier Soccer League side Kaizer Chiefs.

His arrival was part of a double deal worth £250,000 to bring Radebe and team-mate Phil Masinga into the club by former manager Howard Wilkinson, with the latter initially thought the likelier player to make a lasting impact on the team.

Rabebe, though, proved to be the more valuable of the two signings, going on to be a rock at the back and named captain in LS11 under ex-head coach George Graham before his eventual retirement in 2005.

As a young man in his homeland he had dreams and aspirations of one day featuring in England’s top flight, something he believes would have been taken away by the recently proposed and now scrapped European Super League idea.

The competition – which was set to directly challenge the UEFA Champions League – was thought up among the so-called ‘big six’ teams from England along with sides from Spain and Italy.

There was set to be no relegation for the yearly tournament among its founding members, which would have run alongside domestic leagues.

The idea caused a huge backlash across the game from fans, players and pundits alike – leading to a number of protests, including at Elland Road ahead of United’s recent meeting with Liverpool, one of the teams involved.

Leeds were at the forefront of the resistance as United’s players wore t-shirts opposing the proposal while the club also placed a banner inside their home ground which read: Earn it. Football is for the fans.

Radebe – who reached the semi-finals of the European Cup during his time with Leeds – was another of those who disliked the idea and how the move may have impacted the game, particularly in England.

“As we grow up, especially playing football in South Africa, you dream of playing at the highest level,” Radebe said recently.

“The Premiership is where everyone wants to play. That’s where our dreams were. I think it would’ve really changed the nature of the Premiership, the culture and the rivalries – the competitiveness.”

Radebe is often spotted on social media cheering on his former team having moved back to South Africa after hanging up his boots.

He was a special guest during the club’s centenary celebrations 18 months ago and is also a regular visitor to the city when time allows.

On the pitch Leeds sit ninth in the Premier League with five games to go in what has been an impressive debut campaign back amongst England’s elite after 16 years away.

“I haven’t missed one of the games,” Radebe laughed.

“They have been fantastic. I was thinking back to the time when we played and to where they are now – they’re absolutely flying.

“The way they have transitioned from the Championship. There was a lot of talk about whether they can keep up. The way and style of play they have – it’s absolutely amazing.

“I think the most important thing now is to stay in the league after such an impressive first season. Most of the team has wanted to fight for more, it’s magnificent. They’ve brought a fresh breath to the Premier League. they are just so interesting to watch.”

United’s initial objective was to avoid an immediate return to the Football League under Marcelo Bielsa at the first time of asking. They have, though, surpassed expectations with top-flight safety guaranteed some weeks ago and will have begun preparations already for next season behind the scenes.

Their ex-captain has been impressed, in particular, by the leadership shown from the club’s hierarchy in recent times.

“I think we’ve got such a great team in terms of the chairman and management of the club,” Radebe continued.

“If you look at most of the statistics a lot of clubs struggled in their second season. With the ambition that the chairman and the whole management has, it’s to make sure that they stabilise the team now.

“How they have progressed is absolutely brilliant. Going forward Marcelo Bielsa is going to be a great manager – especially now after the next season that’s where we can move up and look to challenge and qualify for Europe.”