RODGERS: TITLE WIN INSPIRED THE WORLD

LEICESTER v WATFORD

Premier League: KO 2pm

BY JAMES NURSEY

BRENDAN RODGERS believes Leicester’s incredible title triumph under Claudio Ranieri inspired sports fans all over the world to dream of glory.

And the Foxes boss reckons his side are still reaping the benefits after some veterans of that 2015-16 team lifted more silverware with City this year.

“It will be brilliant and good to see him,” said Rodgers, with Watford coach Ranieri returning to the King Power Stadium tomorrow for the first time since he was sacked. “That story is iconic and he has a bond here forever.

“He will come here to try to get the result, but the supporters will always be eternally thankful for everything he did that season. His legacy, as well as winning the Premier League, will be the feeling that team gave supporters, not just Leicester City supporters, but supporters around the world.

“It gave hope to people that anything is possible. To see him win his first title as a manager was special as well.

“He will always be held in the highest regard here because it was a special, iconic season. In terms of any sport it was one of the greatest that there ever was.”

Rodgers believes the winning mentality embedded in the likes of captain Kasper Schmeichel (below with the City boss, striker Jamie Vardy

a n d winger

Marc Albrighton has been invaluable, helping them to win the FA Cup and the Community Shield this year.

He added: “Any winning experience will have helped the players. That experience in isolation was incredible.

“The key is to try to sustain it, which is clearly very difficult for a club of this size in comparison to the others in terms of expenditure. “But it shows you can do it with good organisation, good players and fighting spirit.”

Ranieri’s return will ensure a cracking atmosphere. Rodgers was critical of supporters for booing the team during a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea, but fans responded on Thursday night in a 3-1 home win over Legia Warsaw.

Rodgers added: “The supporters will show their appreciation to Claudio, then once the game begins they will be right behind the team.

“You saw it against Legia. From the first whistle they were right behind the team. The synergy between them and the players was amazing and really gave us that extra push.”