Leeds United legend underlines 'most important thing' club must do under Daniel Farke

Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe has urged Daniel Farke's men to not only seize the chance to return to the Premier League, but build on their success and remain in the top flight.

The former Whites defender says his time at Elland Road was the 'best time I’ve had in my life and my career' as he looked back on a spell that included a Champions League football for the South African. He's desperate for those good times to return for the Leeds United faithful, with promotion to the Premier League still in the balance heading into the final games of the season.

Leeds are locked in a battle with Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton for the two automatic promotion places, with the play-offs looming for two of those sides. Radebe, now 55, has remained a big Leeds fan since injury brought an and to a nine-year playing career in West Yorkshire, and he's a big fan of what Farke is doing at the club.

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“I’ve been following them closely and they’ve been doing well,” he said. “They were very impressive under Marcelo Bielsa but obviously ended up going back down again. They’ve been playing some good football under Daniel Farke and he’s been absolutely great, but the most important thing is to come back and stay in the Premier League.

“I’m always confident that they’ll find their way back because they’re a big club. It’s not just the fans but the amazing history they have as well and I can’t wait for them to return eventually. They just need to keep performing week in, week out between now and the end of the season and they’ll give themselves a chance.”

Radebe enjoyed some memorable moments in a Leeds United shirt, not least scoring against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Cup clash in 1999, his goal sending United though on away goals.

“What was crazy is that when I arrived at the club, we were lingering at the bottom of the league,” Radebe said on David Seaman’s podcast Seaman Says, sponsored by Parimatch. “When we got to the Champions League, I’ve never experienced such an atmosphere at Elland Road. It was absolutely amazing, especially when I scored in that game against Spartak Moscow.

“I loved every moment of it. To then retire and do things like walking out with Josh Warrington for his fight at Elland Road were really proud moments. I often asked myself what I did to deserve it – I just played football there and did what I knew best and what I grew up doing. I thought to myself that I must have done something right here – it was the love that I felt which was particularly special.

“The fans brought a different atmosphere to the stadium – they were the best in Division One. Once you run on to the field you get goosebumps from them signing your name. They were very supportive outside the stadium as well – the city itself was absolutely amazing and my time at the club was the best time I’ve had in my life and my career. If I was asked to do it again, I would!”