Foxes kicked out of Champions League spot by Golden Boot Kane
Brendan Rodgers said he had “nothing but admiration” for his Leicester players despite the devastating 4-2 defeat against Tottenham that denied them a place in the Champions League on Sunday.
Jamie Vardy twice put Rodgers’ men ahead from the penalty spot, leaving them on course to reach the Champions League for just the second time.
But Harry Kane scored on what could be his final appearance for Spurs before Kasper Schmeichel’s own goal and a late double from Gareth Bale denied Leicester.
The Foxes’ late collapse meant Chelsea, beaten 2-1 at Aston Villa, pipped them to a fourth place finish in the Premier League by just one point.
Tottenham secured seventh place and a spot in next season’s Europa Conference League.
Leicester spent more days in the top four than any other club this season, but for the second consecutive year they fell away in the final weeks of the campaign to miss out on the riches and prestige of Champions League football.
“It’s hugely disappointing for us. We fought so hard all season. I always said you’re judged after 38 games and unfortunately we couldn’t quite make it,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers refused to condemn his players for failing to finish the job, pointing to their FA Cup final triumph last weekend as proof of their progress in his reign.
Kane is keen to move on from his boyhood club after Tottenham also missed out on the Champions League for a second straight year.
But the England captain secured the consolation prize of winning the Golden Boot as he slammed home his 23rd Premier League goal of the campaign four minutes before half-time.