Patrick Bamford reveals the emotion-stirring message that made him leave Middlesbrough for Leeds United

The former Chelsea youngster made the move to Elland Road in the summer of 2018, and is aiming to help Marcelo Bielsa’s side back to the Premier League when the 2019/20 resumes.

And he has now revealed how a message Clayton – and a glimpse at what life could be like if he helped the Whites to the top fight – helped push him towards heading to West Yorkshire.

“With the fanbase, stadium and the facilities we have, everything is geared up for the Premier League,” he said, speaking to the i.

“Just being around Leeds, you can feel how much desire there is for the club to succeed. You then start to realise how much of an impact being promoted would have not only on everyone associated with the football club, but the city as a whole.

“Before I came here, I remember speaking to [ex-Leeds midfielder] Adam Clayton at Middlesbrough and he said ‘if you guys take Leeds up, you’ll be heroes forever’. That’s always stayed with me.”

“The main reason I signed for Leeds was the chance to become the main guy, help them reach the Premier League and then have a good shot at making my mark there,” he continued.

“I’ve had a little taste of playing against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool but to do it front of the Elland Road crowd would be something else.”