'It means absolutely everything' - former Whites captain Dom Matteo salutes Leeds United's promotion to the Premier League

Matteo was captain of the Whites when United suffered the heartbreak of relegation from the top flight in 2004 only four years after Matteo had starred as Leeds challenged for the Premier Division title and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

But Matteo - who also made over 150 appearances for Liverpool - said experiencing United's feat of finally sealing a return to top-flight football matched anything he had achieved in his career.

Marcelo Bielsa's Whites were officially promoted as second-placed West Brom failed to take even a point in Friday evening's clash at Huddersfield Town in which the Terriers recorded a 2-1 victory.

Matteo also said promotion would be dedicated to loved lost ones associated with the Whites as part of a season in which Whites legends Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter and Trveor Cherry have all passed away.

"It means absolutely everything," said Matteo, speaking to Yorkshire Evening Post columnist and Sky Sports presenter David Prutton on Sky.

"It's one of the best feelings I've ever had, even though I am not playing or involved with the club.

"But it's absolutely fantastic, it feels so good.

"Bielsa and the team have done absolutely incredible.

"Everything they have done, from start to finish has been done the right way, the way they play, the way they tackle, they get after people, they have done everything so well and I am absolutely delighted for everybody associated with Leeds United.

"I have been part of that myself and I know how good it is and I feel so happy for everybody involved with Leeds United today.

"I am so so happy and for all of those people who we have lost as well, all them great people around Leeds as well, this is for them as well today.

"It's absolutely brilliant."