Patrick Bamford aims what has been described to be a ‘parting shot’ at Leeds United in his statement on leaving the club.
It’s the quote in his farewell message that stood out… “Right now, with the way it has come to an end and the way things have been handled recently, it’s all a little bit too raw to reflect on immediately.”
Leeds has mutually terminated the striker’s contract after seven years, allowing the 31-year-old to leave this summer despite one year remaining.
Exiled from the first team by manager Daniel Farke, Bamford reportedly trained separately but used club facilities, with a financial settlement agreed.
In a social media video, a minute in, Bamford called the handling “too raw” to reflect on immediately but expressed pride in his achievements, including two Championship titles, England caps under Marcelo Bielsa, and community work.
He also thanked staff, teammates, managers, and fans.
Bamford was definitely marmite for some fans. But I for one will miss him. I know, thanks to injuries, it was probably time, but I’ll always remember all he’s done for us. Especially the part he played in taking us back to the Prem & that 9th place finish. Thank you, Pat 😘 #lufc pic.twitter.com/t0n6zLbmS6
— Jo 🐾 (@El_Loco_Jo) August 28, 2025
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In a video posted on social media to mark his farewell, Bamford said: “As many of you will have seen, my time at Leeds United has come to an end.
“I arrived here in 2018 a young lad and looking for a new challenge, and I found a new home here in Yorkshire.
“The club became a massive part of my world, and I tried to make you proud by doing the most I could on the pitch and also in the community.
“As in any walk of life, there have been challenges, and we’ve had our ups and downs as the song goes, but I’ve always felt strongly connected with both fans and the community.
“But as I leave here, I’m a married man to my beautiful wife, Michaela, and we have two beautiful girls who were born here in Yorkshire.
“Right now, with the way it has come to an end and the way things have been handled recently, it’s all a little bit too raw to reflect on immediately, but I think in the years to come and further down the line, I’ll look back at this period of my life with nothing but joy, pride and be super happy with what I’ve achieved and the fact that I was able to wear this number nine shirt in front of you guys for this many years.
“I want to take this moment to thank everyone who was involved in bringing me to Leeds United, and also all the staff at the training ground and Elland Road who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
“Their work is not often seen by the fans, but it really does lay the foundations for all of us to achieve what we do on the pitch, they really are the heartbeat of the club.
“Over the years here at Leeds, I’ve shared the dressing room with some amazing guys.
“Some I can now call friends for life – to name a few Klichy, Pablo, Bill, Coops, Stuey, Kalv and the guys I’ve shared the dressing room with more recently who achieved an amazing feat last year.
“I’d also like to thank the managers I’ve had the chance to work with whilst here, especially Marcelo.
“I don’t know where the club would be without the foundations he laid.
“Under his guidance, I was able to achieve my dream I’ve had since a young boy, playing for England.
“And of course, finally, I’d like to thank you fans. I know at times it’s been frustrating, and you’ve probably pulled your hair out at points as well, but together, in these seven years, we’ve celebrated some of the best moments in the club’s recent history.
“I know I’ve still got a lot more to give and a lot more football to play, but for now, I’ll see you around. Your number nine, Patrick.”
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👏 Thank you, @Patrick_Bamford! pic.twitter.com/74l5F723zb
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 28, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Leeds United can confirm that a mutual agreement has been reached with Patrick Bamford which will see the striker leave the club this summer.
After seven years with the Whites, the forward departs Elland Road as a two-time champion and double promotion winner. He will forever be a part of our proud history.
Bamford joined the club in 2018 from Middlesbrough and instantly endeared himself to supporters. Wearing the famous number 9 shirt throughout his time at Elland Road, he would score many crucial goals and be part of some incredible moments.
Scoring in his first start for the club, 24-year-old Bamford netted in an EFL Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers and his first league goal would come against the same opponents.
Having reached double figures in his maiden campaign under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, the season ended in a play-off defeat but the best was yet to come.
Patrick and his teammates remained determined to extinguish that disappointment the following campaign and the number 9 netted on the first day of what would be a memorable season, away at Bristol City in a 3-1 success.
Despite the campaign being interrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Whites were crowned champions and Bamford’s tally of 16 goals throughout the season played a major role in our Premier League return, a first in 16 long years.
Then in 2020/21, at the age of 26, Bamford had another scintillating season. He scored in the first three matches back in the top-flight against Liverpool, Fulham and Sheffield United, before netting a hat-trick away at Aston Villa in a 3-0 win.
Many more spectacular goals and assists would follow and the striker ended the season with a tally of 17 to his name, leading to being called up by Sir Gareth Southgate to the senior England side that summer and his England debut against Andorra.
Two more years at the highest level of the game would follow before Bamford focused on helping the Whites to regain our Premier League status once more, cementing his place in history as a two-time champion after winning the title last season.
His determination and fight on the pitch was matched by his professionalism and dedication to the surrounding community away from it. Patrick’s commitment to supporting important campaigns and causes whilst also engaging with fans in need across our region saw him regularly attending Foundation events, as well as arranging his own under-the-radar personable moments away from the public eye.
There has never been any doubt in Patrick’s enthusiasm in representing Leeds United and his understanding of respecting our famous club badge. He has given everything to the cause and is welcome back at Elland Road, anytime.
Thank you Patrick and good luck in your next steps, you are forever a double champion and will remain a proud part of our history.
Here’s how fans reacted as Patrick Bamford aims a ‘parting shot’ at Leeds United in his statement on leaving the club…
@RobertG90623497: Paddy has been a revelation while here, think of the important goals he scored levellers, winners. it’s a shame we won’t see him in a Leeds shirt again but Bam Bam leaves with his head held high a Leeds legend I’d like to wish him all the very best wherever he goes next
@keith_kelly30: He hates Farke doesn’t he
@tedatkinson: Love the bloke, me. A really decent lad. Still think he has a lot to offer when fully fit and backed.
@mcandrew_martin: I’m sad to see Bamford leave a lot of his play went unnoticed especially his hold up play he was very important for the way Belisas team played I think he could of done a job for us this season if fit, I wish him all the best
@AllLoveLeeds: 😥 “with the way it’s been handled”😠
@JonathanBaguley: He believed in Marcelo in turn being believed him himself. He pushed himself beyond what his body could take to give what was required. His injury record is a testament to his efforts. Memory will be kind, I know mine are! Thanks Sir P of B.
@LUFC_Ando: Really sad … just a proper decent guy who loved the club. Wish him and his family all the best
@MarcHarris50982: What an absolute class sign off that is. Well done Pat, sad to see it end like this but wish you all the best and hope to see your name pop up on score sheets very soon. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@AlynLemon: That brought a tear to my eyes tbh a genuinely nice guy Mot
@billy4lufc: Top man on and off the pitch 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
@ChicagoWhite: PB will always be a hero will always be venerated by this #LUFC fan. Hope he gets a club and finishes his career successfully. Only two Bielsa starters left at #LUFC and one of those seems to be pretty much out of the door Meslier and Strujk the final remainers
@JackMidge10: I actually am gonna miss him, such a genuine guy. He knew when he was at his lowest and at his best but he still prevailed and showed us fans who he truly was. A genuinely sound guy. I wish him all the best. Once a white, always a white 💙💛🤍
@annab61324: Not going to lie.. this choked me up more than I thought it would. A very decent chap our Pat. Wishing him happiness and success going forward. Sad way to go and he is obviously hurting. #Bamford #lufc #mot
@sjp040565: Exactly right. Not the way it should have ended. 😥😥. Good luck in your next venture Pat.
@David_C68: Perfectly summed up. He was part of two promotion winning teams. Record breaking teams. Good luck Pat.
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