Patrick Bamford, centre stage, and waxing lyrical to the media about his opinion on Leeds United's dealing in the transfer market this summer.
“What’s my take on the club’s business? Brilliant, I think. That sounds a bit big-headed doesn’t it!” said the 24-year-old striker.
Cue laughter all round.
Leeds have made their most expensive signing in almost 17 years by persuading Middlesbrough to part with a player who had been expected to play a big part for Tony Pulis next season.
Bamford has signed a four-year contract after Boro were happy with the offer which could rise to £10m, making him Leeds’ biggest buy since Robbie Fowler in 2001.
“No pressure then,” added Bamford with a huge smile.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know that. Nowadays with football, you can’t read too much into transfer fees because the game has gone a bit crazy in terms of money.
“You look at how much (Zinedine) Zidane went for and there are players commanding bigger fees who you wouldn’t put on the same pedestal.
“I know big a club Leeds are and I spoke to the technical director (Victor Orta) about the project here.
“I heard about the aims for this year and what they wanted to achieve.
“I liked the fact they have brought in such a prestigious manager in Marcelo Bielsa, so I think it was a no-brainer in terms of coming here.
“He’s so meticulous in everything he does and, from what I can see of how the regime is set up, it’s exciting stuff and I can tell we’re going to be a fit, strong team.
“The ideas behind it make a lot of sense and to get the chance and be the main number nine is a great opportunity for me. I can’t wait to get going.”
Leeds decided to opt for Bamford following a failure to strike a deal for free agent Abel Hernandez and Derby County’s Matej Vydra.
He should make his debut in Sunday’s Championship opener at home to Stoke and added: “I think the division is open this year.
“Obviously Stoke have spent a bit of money and are trying to get straight back up.
“Apart from them, it’s an open ticket really, so it’s up to us to take that with both hands and see how far we can go.”
Bamford won the Championship’s player of the year award after initially joining Middlesbrough on loan in 2015.
After returning permanently in January last year, he hit 13 goals to help Boro to the play-off semi-final, including a hat-trick against Leeds at the Riverside in March.
Bamford began his career at Nottingham Forest and made two substitute appearances before being signed by Chelsea aged 18 for £1.5million in January 2012.
He failed to make a first-team appearance at Chelsea and had loan spells at MK Dons, Derby, Boro, Crystal Palace, Norwich and Burnley.
Leeds, who appointed former Argentina and Chile boss Bielsa in June, signed Jack Harrison on loan from Manchester City on Monday having added defender Barry Douglas from Wolves last weekend.
Chelsea pair Lewis Baker and goalkeeper Jamal Blackman both arrived on season-long loan deals earlier this month.
Harrison, Baker and Blackman have all played on loan for Middlesbrough and Bamford added: “Barry Douglas is obviously a top player, I played with Jack Harrison last season and obviously Pep Guardiola rated him quite highly because he featured for Man City in pre-season.
“There’s a lot to be excited and I’m confident I’ll score goals – I just need a run of games.”
