Trophy collection has eclipsed my wildest dreams – Albrighton
CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IS IDEAL WAY TO BRING CURTAIN DOWN
ON HIS 10 YEARS AT THE FOXES
MARC Albrighton has bowed out in the “perfect way” with the winger’s decade-long spell at Leicester City coming to a close with the weekend’s Championship title celebrations.
Albrighton’s contract at the King Power Stadium expires next month and he is “more or less sure” that Saturday’s seasoncloser against Blackburn was his final outing for the club.
While City were there to wrap up their campaign and lift the trophy, the match was a celebration of Albrighton, too.
He was given a standing ovation when he warmed up in the first half, he was handed the captain’s armband by Jamie Vardy when he came on as a substitute in the second period, and had his every touch cheered by the 30,000 home fans.
Then, Vardy called on Albrighton and Ricardo Pereira to help lift the Championship trophy.
Joining as a free agent from Aston Villa in 2014, Albrighton has lived the City rollercoaster, surviving the Premier League in dramatic circumstances before going on to win the top flight, score the club’s first Champions League goal and claim the FA Cup.
Finishing with more silverware ends the past 10 years on another high note.
“I’m more or less sure that was the end,” the 34-year-old said.
“There is no official confirmation but to bow out in this manner is the perfect way to go out.
“We achieved the goal we set out to achieve at the start of the season.
“That was always our goal. To achieve it as a group of lads and people and footballers we have proved we’re the best in the league this year.
“(The love from the fans) was not something I expected or take for granted.
“Every time I came on to the pitch the fans took to me and really warmed to me. But I’ve warmed to them as well. It was a special moment to share that with them today.
“Days like today don’t come around often.
“A lot of players go through their whole careers without winning anything.
“So to be able to experience this I don’t take it for granted, it’s fantastic to spend time with the families and the players.
“It’s been incredible (the past 10 years).
“I’m grateful just to play one professional game. To play the number I have and to win the trophies I have has eclipsed my wildest dreams.
“I never believed when I came here that I was taking such a forward step. But I did that.
“We escaped in the first season and then the rest is history.
“It’s not all ups, there have been some downs, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster but one I’ve enjoyed. It’s got a happy ending.”
Albrighton intends to continue playing, saying he has a couple of years left in his legs. The search now begins for a new home.
He said: “Everything has to be right and fit into place. It has to be the right thing for me to do, whatever that is. I’m excited to find out.”
But by leaving City, it means Vardy is the last squad member from 2016 still at the club.
The number nine is out of contract too, but looks likely to sign a fresh deal after his 20-goal campaign.
After sharing the captaincy and the trophy with Vardy on the final day, Albrighton added: “It just goes to show the person that Vards is.
“He didn’t have to do that but he made it special for me.
“To captain this club means more than I can say in words.
“He (Vardy) can still bring plenty in my opinion.
“I’d love to see him here next year. I’ve had no conversations with him about it, I’ve no idea what he is thinking.
“I’d love to see him here next year, but we will see.”