MILLWALL’S Jake Cooper spoke for the first time this week about Glasgow Rangers’ interest in him and insisted: “I love being at this club.”
After a series of impressive performances last season attracted the attention of a number of clubs, Steven Gerrard’s Rangers pursued Cooper determinedly, having a bid of £3million turned down for the centre-back.
Cooper, 23, was aware of the Scottish giants’ offer, but insisted he was focused on his pre-season fitness training and repaying Millwall for their faith in him.
Millwall signed Cooper last summer after he had been told by then-Reading boss Japp Stam he had no future at the club.
He was excellent alongside Shaun Hutchinson in the centre of defence as Millwall finished eighth last season, and Cooper didn’t have his head turned when Rangers came calling this summer.
“I was just focused on coming in and playing for Millwall and getting a good pre-season under my belt,” he told NewsAtDen this week.
“I love being at this club and my main priority was just to get fit to have the best chance to have a good season with Millwall.
“What this club has done for me has been amazing, it’s something I wouldn’t be looking to throw away.
“I’ve had a great time here and that’s something I want to continue. The club has been great for me and I’ve loved every minute playing for Millwall.
“It wasn’t down to me, they put a price on me and I’m more than happy to be still at Millwall. I want to build on last season and help take this club as high as we can go.”
Cooper wasn’t the only Lion targeted by some big clubs, with Middlesbrough last week bidding for George Saville and Jed Wallace.
“It shows how well we did last year, bids coming in for players,” Cooper added. “It shows the level of quality that we’ve got in the dressing room that big clubs like Middlesbrough and Rangers and whoever else are interested in our players.
“It’s testament to the club that they’ve kept the squad together and they should be happy with the work they’ve done. We’ve got a great squad now for this season.”
Image: Millwall FC