‘Tough competing with one of the world’s best strikers’
BRENDAN Rodgers has praised Islam Slimani’s “immaculate behaviour” during his final few months at Leicester City and hopes the striker gets the game time he desires at Lyon, writes Jordan Blackwell.
The City boss spoke for the first time since Slimani’s free transfer to the Ligue 1 leaders, and said it was a move that was right for both parties.
Despite coming back into the fold for the first half of this season, Slimani played just once under Rodgers, in a substitute appearance in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Now he has a chance to play for a club chasing silverware in France.
“I think it was right for both parties,” said Rodgers.
“It’s a great credit to him, in all the time I’ve been here, he’s been a model professional.
“It’s been very tough for him. He was coming in a few years ago and he had to compete with Jamie, one of the best strikers in world football.
“Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get the game time he wanted.
“For the last few months, he has been first class. He featured early on for me when we had some injuries, but even when he wasn’t (playing), his attitude has been superb, he came in every day with a smile, and he behaved immaculately.
“He now has an opportunity to go to Lyon, which is a great club in France, and hopefully play some games. It was a good move for both.”
Slimani’s exit leaves Rodgers with three striking options at City, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez playing back-up to Vardy.