Mark Viduka reacts to Leeds United's Premier League return
Leeds United legend Mark Viduka has celebrated the return of a 'special club' to the Premier League.
The Australian striker joined David O'Leary's Whites in 2000 and departed four years later having plundered 72 goals, 59 of which came in top flight action.
He was part of a side that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and twice finished in the Premier League top five.
Viduka scored and was sent off in his final Leeds game, which was also the club's last appearance in the Premier League before a 16-year absence.
Last week they ended their exile and lifted the Championship trophy, finishing 10 points clear of West Bromwich Albion.
Viduka is overjoyed.
"Leeds are a special club and are very close to my heart," he told The World Game."My family and I still follow them and I'm so wrapped for them because the Premier League is where Leeds belong.
"They have been playing really good football for a while and they were desperately unlucky not to go up last year.
"Bielsa has done a great job in organising them and setting an attractive style."
Viduka remains very fond of the club. When they celebrated their centenary late last year, he sent a video message from his home in Zagreb, Croatia.
"I spent four amazing years in Leeds and our two kids were born there," he said.
"My time at Elland Road gave me big highs that I will never forget.
"It was a great club to play for and together we achieved a lot.
"We made the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2001 after beating clubs like AC Milan, Anderlecht, Deportivo and Lazio.
"I was at a club that was always fighting for a place in the premiership's top four and I enjoyed being a part of that."