Bamford keen for fresh start with Boro
Often labelled a 12th man at the Riverside, Patrick Bamford insists the fans are to thank for securing a permanent deal with Middlesbrough.
The forward has put pen to paper on a £5.5m switch from Chelsea, returning to the North East 18 months after a loan spell with Aitor Karanka’s side.
The intermittent period has not always been kind to the 23-year-old however, with loan spells at Crystal Palace, Norwich and Burnley bringing about just a smattering of first-team appearances.
It was with that in mind that Bamford leapt at the chance to return to Boro, now hoping to put the past season behind him, with regular Premier League football at the forefront of his mind.
(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
“When I was here 18 months ago I connected with the fans and everyone around the place,” he said. “It left an imprint on my heart. It meant a lot to me that the Boro fans were still in touch when I was with other clubs and it wasn’t going that well.
“There have been times over the last 18 months where I’ve been more upset than people think. There were numerous times where I would ring my family on the way home from training and say look this isn’t working, this is getting to me, it’s really hard, I’m doing my best.
“I think I have to take some responsibility for that, I could have done things differently, but I still don’t think I was given a chance.
“I’m leaving all that in the past, this is a fresh start.
“What the last 18 months has done is make me strong. It has made me determined to fight for my shirt and when I get it never let it go.
“It has toughened my resolve, it made me not want to feel the way I have again.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be back to be honest, it’s something I have pushed for and I’m delighted it’s over the line.”
