Kalvin Phillips has sent an emotional two-word message to former Leeds United teammate Patrick Bamford after the striker's early exit from Elland Road was confirmed on Thursday evening.
As reported, Bamford has now left the Whites and starts his search for a new club. The striker and club came to a mutual agreement which has seen him released from his contract 12 months early.
Bamford totted-up 205 appearances for Leeds, and he was told two days into pre-season that he was not part of their Premier League plans this term. He spent seven years at Elland Road, scoring 60 goals in all competitions and twice winning promotion from the Championship.
A statement on Bamford's exit, from the club, read: "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, he departs Elland Road a two-time champion - and double promotion winner. He will forever be a part of our proud history.
"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."
Bamford has since released a statement of his own, while he has been applauded far and wide for his efforts and success in the famous white shirt. Phillips, who played alongside the striker for four years, has also taken to social media to underline his respect.
Phillips re-posted a Bamford goals montage to his Instagram story on Friday morning. In that post, the playmaker wrote a two-word caption, which read: "Absolute legend."
The ex-Leeds midfielder, who has been subject to transfer speculation once again this summer - amid an ongoing nightmare with Manchester City - added "sad face" and "red love heart" emojis on to his post. Bamford and Phillips, who has been tentatively mooted with a return to Leeds, played 93 times alongside each other for the Whites.
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