Former Leeds United midfielder Olivier Dacourt has told the Italian media the chance to play under Fabio Capello was one of the reasons he left Elland Road.
Speaking to TMW, Dacourt was asked the reasons why he choose to leave Leeds United for AS Roma: “In the capital I found myself very well, plus I wanted to work with the best coach in Fabio Capello. I wanted to grow as a player and he was the right man. It’s a pity that the team started losing pieces.
Rio Ferdinand went to Manchester United, Kewell to Liverpool, so I realised that the project was changing, and I had to do something.”
Dacourt signed for Leeds United from Lens in 2000, and previous to that the Frenchman had his first spell in England with Everton.
The former French international spent three seasons at Leeds United during a successful period for the club, which saw them reach the semi final of the Champions League, before their elimination to Valencia.
However, due to financial difficulties Leeds United started to sell off their key players, and Dacourt was one of those to leave in 2003 when he signed for Roma.
Dacourt played 57 times for Leeds United, scoring 3 goals.
ND
