Leicester Challenge Excites Albrighton

Albrighton arrives after spending the last 16 years with West Midlands side Aston Villa, with whom he ended the season in impressive form. His displays helped Paul Lambert’s men avoid relegation, but with the prospect of a new challenge with Leicester, the Tamworth-born star is ready to kick on again. 

The arrival of the former England Under-21s winger proved to be a hugely popular move among City fans, something which has left Albrighton even more eager to pull on a blue shirt for the first time. 

“It’s very exciting when you hear that they (the fans) are saying such good things and that they’re excited,” said Albrighton, speaking exclusively to Foxes Player. 

“It gives you a bit of a buzz and obviously I’m going to have to prove myself with my performances. That’s when they’ll be able to see for themselves what I’m all about, and hopefully it can stay all-positive. 

“I watched Leicester last season. Being from the Midlands I always keep an eye on what local teams do. They were unlucky the season before last and then in the season just gone they really put it in and managed to get there. 

“I always keep an eye on them, but I’ve spoken to a few lads, Emile Heskey for example. We had him at Aston Villa for a few years and he had nothing but praise for the Club, so it’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to.” 

Since making his Aston Villa debut in the UEFA Cup in 2009, Albrighton went on to play a further 100 times for the club, 86 times in the league, and it’s that Premier League experience that will give the Foxes a welcome boost going into their first top-flight season for a decade. 

Despite a strong end to the season for Villa, Albirghton was informed that his contract would not be renewed, and with a host of clubs set to do battle for his signature, he revealed that the prospect of working with City boss Nigel Pearson was a key factor. 

He added: “Villa said at the end of the season that they weren’t going to renew my contract and Leicester came in for me and straight away I was signing and I was delighted to do that. 

“Nigel said that he tried to sign me two or three times before in the past and to hear that from a manager is exactly what you want. It makes you feel wanted and it makes you feel like you’re part of it and that he’s looking forward to using me as much as I’m looking forward to playing for Leicester City and for Nigel Pearson. 

“It’s going to be hard (to get into the side) with the season that Leicester had last year, very hard. They’ve got some great players, especially in wide areas and I’m definitely going to have to prove myself with some good performances and hopefully get some game time and get a place in the team and excel myself. 

“My main asset is to get half a yard and put a cross in, so I’m sure with the strikers that we’ve got here, they’ll definitely be on the end of them. I like to be positive, I like to get at a player and I want to keep developing. 

“It’s a move that I’m looking forward to as it will help me better myself, not just come here and stay at the same level. I’m sure with the players around me, as well as the players and coaching staff, it will improve me as a player. It’s really exciting for me.”