John Hutchinson continues his nostalgic Links With The Past series with a closer look at an item of memorabilia gifted to the Club by regular European foes, Atlético Madrid.
In addition to the gifts received from Atlético Madrid in the European Cup Winners' Cup tie in 1961 and in the UEFA Champions League 2017, Leicester City’s collections also contain items further gifts from Los Rojiblancos.
These were presented on the occasion of the two-legged UEFA Cup First Round tie between the clubs in September 1997, which saw Martin O'Neill's League Cup winners tackle an impressive Atléti.
The stunning figurine of a bay Arabian horse bust, which is about 12 inches tall, was made by the renowned Jose Luis de Casasola, a world-class sculptor much sought after by high society and world leaders.
It has a rosewood base and a brass label which commemorates the occasion.
The pennant, meanwhile, was presented to City’s captain Steve Walsh at kick-off in the first leg in Madrid. The Atlético crest includes a bear and a strawberry tree which is part of the coat of arms of Madrid.
This image dates back to a 13th century battle between King Alfonso VIII of Castile and the ruling Almohad dynasty of Morocco.
Unfortunately for the Foxes, despite initially taking the lead in the first leg through Ian Marshall at the Vicente Calderón, Atléti would eventually run out as 4-1 victors on aggregate.
