It’s been almost 25 years since Leeds United last faced AC Milan and two giants of European football will reunite this summer. After weeks of speculation, Leeds confirmed on Tuesday they will face their Italian counterparts at the 51,700-capacity Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, August 9.
November this year will mark a quarter of a Century since Leeds went to the San Siro, drawing 1-1 to take a crucial point and book their place in the Champions League knockout stages before going on to eventually reach the semi-finals. A certain Dominic Matteo scored the goal that Elland Road regulars now sing about regularly, and that squad from 2000/01 is littered with fan favourites.
And as supporters start to book their tickets for that August meeting in Dublin, the YEP takes a look at what the stars who battled so hard in Milan are up to now. Take a look below to see how they’re getting on, from the head coach of a national team in the Caribbean to a coffee shop owner in Croatia.
7. CM: Erik Bakke
Another who, like Bowyer, moved into management following his 2012 retirement. The Norwegian international has remained in his home country and is currently in charge of second-tier side Asane Fotball. | AFP via Getty Images
8. CM: Olivier Dacourt
The French midfielder, who was a club record £7.2m arrival in the summer of 2000, enjoyed a well-travelled career post-Leeds, featuring for AS Roma, Inter Milan and Standard Liege - with a loan spell at Fulham somewhere between. Has recently admitted his biggest regret at Leeds was not winning silverware, while the midfielder revealed there was a group chat for the squad during his time. | Getty Images
9. LM: Dominic Matteo
As the famous song goes, Dom Matteo scored a really good goal at the San Siro - at least that's a version that can be published online. Wrote his name into Leeds United folklore with that header and remains a huge part of the club, often appearing as a pundit on LUTV - he was also involved in the recent away kit launch. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019 and after recovering, has been keen to spread awareness. | Getty Images
10. ST: Alan Smith
Rothwell-born Smith was still a young fan-favourite during the 2000/01 campaign but soured things when joining Manchester United in 2004, following relegation. Also featured for MK Dons and Notts County, taking on an interim role at the latter in 2017 before retiring the following year. Has spent the last few years working as a coach at the XL Soccer World Academy in Orlando, Florida. | Getty Images
11. ST: Mark Viduka
Another who left Leeds in 2004, having enjoyed four great seasons in front of goal, Viduka joined Middlesbrough before ending his playing career at Newcastle United. Moved into the quiet life post-football and currently lives in Zagreb, Croatia, where he runs a local coffee shop with his wife. A fan-favourite appearance in the recent away kit production. | Getty Images
12. Manager: David O'Leary
Enjoyed plenty of success at Leeds, his first managerial role, before spells in charge of Aston Villa and Dubai-based Al-Ahli. Has been relatively under the radar for many years, appearing as a TV pundit every so often. | Getty Images