Patrick Bamford claims Leeds United captain Liam Cooper will grow a “beer belly” when he retires, saying the defender has already accepted that he is going to pile on the pounds post football.
Bamford, 30, was speaking on his new podcast with comedian and actor Joe Wilkinson on BBC Sounds – entitled, My Mate’s A Footballer. Cooper, 32, is approaching a decade at Elland Road, joining in 2014.
A player that embodies loyalty, leadership and an old-school style of player that has incorporated a more modern style into his game. He is the perfect model of what Leeds fans want in their players.
But Cooper is in the latter stages of his career and finds himself in the final year of his contract at Leeds. It is unclear what his long-term future is, and how many years the Leeds skipper has left in the tank.

He will feel he has many more left, especially, as he prepares for Euro 2024 with Scotland next summer. Bamford was asked if any Leeds players, when they retire, will let the weight pile on. He said, Cooper.
“I’ve got a vague idea of a couple who might [chunk up]. I’m pretty sure Coops said to me that when he retires he will get a beer belly, he’ll just be playing golf. He’s already looked into the future, accepted it.”
Patrick Bamford: Leeds captain Liam Cooper will grow beer belly
The duo were discussing the differences between players when they retire. The contrast between the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, to the Brazilian Ronaldo. Cooper is clearly going to enjoy a beer.
Well deserved. After the years of graft to go from League One Liam, to a Premier League captain, he has enjoyed a wonderful career and there are years left to go. Euro 2024 and possible promotion, this term.
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