Scotland star left unemployed at 33 as he leaves club just two games into next season
Cooper featured 25 times for CSKA last season after making the move to Bulgaria as a free agent in September, following a decade long spell at Leeds United.
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Liam Cooper in training for Scotland at the Euros in 2024
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
The defender was keen to get involved at the Bulgarian club, speaking to the CSKA Sofia website he said: 'I spent an amazing 10 years at Leeds, the club that will always be my home and close to my heart. But it was an opportunity I couldn't refuse.
'European football for a huge club in Bulgaria is all I wanted, to challenge myself in a new culture and a new environment.
'I've never had an opportunity like this. This one seems good for me and my family.'
He spoke about Scottish Premiership legend Stiliyan Petrov's involvement in the transfer: "When I first heard about the interest in me, I was very enthusiastic - to come to a European capital, a big city and a club with such a history.
'I spoke to Stiliyan Petrov and Iliya Gruev, who is at Leeds. They told me great things, which made the decision easier."
Championship clubs will be on high alert with the former Leeds captain likely favouring a move back to England.
The 33-year-old would add a welcomed surge of experience to any club in the league with over 200 appearances in the English Championship for Leeds United.
Cooper joined Leeds from Chesterfield in 2014/15 and started his 10-year long journey at the club, becoming a hugely influential figure both on and off the pitch.
He captained the club to Championship glory in 2020 under Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa.
Earning them their awaited return to the Premier League after a decade long stint in the Championship.
Major Mikey Moore Rangers loan doubts & 'strange situation' at Celtic + transfer news Go Ballistic
Cooper's impressive form for Leeds United earned him 19 caps for Scotland, making his debut for his country in a 2-1 loss to Russia in 2019.
He has since became a Scotland regular and was selected for Steve Clarke's Euro 2024 squad.
Championship club Hull City could be a potential destination for the Scottish centre-back.
Cooper came through the youth ranks at the club, and with the Tigers currently subject to a transfer embargo, it is likely that they will be monitoring the free agent market.
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