Lucas Radebe reflects on 'perfection' at Leeds United whilst turning down Manchester United and Roma

Radebe enjoyed 11 years of Premier League football at Leeds after signing from South African side Kaizer Chiefs in 1994.

The defender made 262 appearances for the Whites, captaining a side which ended up in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2001.

Radebe ultimately left Leeds without winning silverware and with the Whites in the Championship after the club's relegation in 2004 but the former centre-back said he never once entertained thoughts of leaving, even amidst interest from some of Europe's big guns.

Asked about turning down offers to join Roma and Manchester United, Radebe smiled: "Who? Once I was at the club I never thought of leaving.

"When I got those offers, I remember us doing so well, the club was developing, the Academy was growing, there was youngsters coming up, and I felt that for the club which has given me the opportunity to play in the Premier League, the very least I have to do is achieve something with them.

"Being at Leeds United, the way the city is, and the comfort that I had, I didn't see a reason to leave.

"I wanted to make sure I achieved with the club.

"It's not about the silverware, for me it was having an impact and changing people's perceptions about football.

"I always wanted to be at the club until I finished, that was my dream and my dream came true."

Speaking from South Africa in a special 'Legends Edition' of Deliveroo's #Ask series, 51-year-old Radebe was asked if still followed United's results and said: "I follow Leeds through and through. It's in my blood.

"I don't think I'll stop being part of the club. Most of my life I've spent in Leeds, I had a great career there, I still have great friends there and a good relationship with the club, which for me is important. So yes, I'm a die hard Leeds United fan.

"For me, what I miss most is the camaraderie in the team, and what the team made the city to be.

"The city was absolutely buzzing.

"The impact we made as a club in the Premier League and in Europe was amazing, that helped make my stay very comfortable and enjoy having great neighbours, going out into the city, mingling with the fans, absolutely amazing.

"My life was absolutely perfect with my family in Leeds, that's all I can say."

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