Dominic moved from Liverpool to Elland Road just before the 2000-01 season for £4.25 million. His move was overshadowed by that of Viduka and Dacourt, and made noteworthy only because he was injured at the time and Leeds took a chance. The knee injury has dogged him throughout his Leeds career. His debut presaged great things as it was made in the 1-0 victory over AC Milan at home, in the Champions League. He was to score his first goal the following week when we stuffed the Turks of Besiktas 6-0.
Dominic regularly partnered 'Red Rio' Weirdinand at the centre of our defence, but he has also played midfield and left full-back. Terry Venables gave Dominic Matteo the Captain's armband after Rio Ferdinard jumped ship for the more lucrative financial waters of Manchester United. At the end of the season, like Lucas Radebe, he played through considerable pain in his knee to keep Leeds United out of a relegation spot. An operation in the summer of 2003 has hopefully cleared up his long standing knee problem.
Dom gave up his international career lst season in a bid to extend his domestic career. Although selected for the full England squad several times, Dom choose to play for Scotland where he was born, in Dumfries on 28th April, 1974. He was also eligble to play for Italy through his grandparents!
4th Sept, 2003
Update: 7th July, 2004. Today Dominic moved on a free transfer to Blackburn Rovers. was an inspirational figure during his time at Elland Road, having played through considerable pain, because of knee problems, for the club over the past two seasons to try to save the club from relegation.
Dominic was handed the captain's armband by former boss Terry Venables following Rio Ferdinand's treacherous departure for the Theatre of Queens in the summer of 2002.
He made 146 appearances in all competitions for Leeds, scoring twice in Europe including a memorable goal against AC Milan, and twice in the Premiership - both goals coming last season (2003-04).
The look on his face at the end of the Bolton away game when our relegation was confirmed spoke volumes about his feeling for the club and its fans. Thanks and good luck to Dom in his new role at Blackburn.
