Fofana Encouraged By Young Player Prize
- Wesley Fofana speaks of his personal pride after being named Leicester City’s Young Player of the Season by the Club’s fans
- The France youth defender has been in fine form during his debut season in England
- He is looking forward to experiencing the King Power Stadium atmosphere when City host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
Signed from Ligue 1 side Saint-Étienne in the summer, Fofana, aged just 20, has gone on to become a key member of Brendan Rodgers’ side this season.
As has often been the case this term, the France Under-21s international delivered a brilliant display in the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, lifting a major trophy in his maiden season at the Club.
Voted for by the Blue Army, City’s Young Player of the Season expressed his joy, but emphasised that with one game remaining, the Foxes will not lose focus.
He said: “It means a lot – it’s an honour that I wasn’t expecting. It shows that I’ve done well, and it encourages me to push on as it’s not finished. Hopefully I can win more in the future.
“My first season has gone really well. The team have helped me to settle in and Brendan Rodgers, as well. The season isn’t quite finished, though. We have one more game to go, but on a personal level it has gone really well.”
Moving to England at such a young age would overwhelm some, but Fofana has taken the challenge in his stride, and thanked the support of those around him for helping him to establish himself in the heart of the Leicester defence.
He said: “Compared to France, the rhythm of the game is very different and a lot, lot faster. The duels are also harder, but it’s everything that I love about the game, so I’m happy.
“I’ve learnt a lot from Jonny Evans and Çağlar Söyüncü as they both have so much experience in the Premier League. They talk to me a lot and always give me plenty of advice.
“When I’m on the pitch, it really helps to have them around me. With Brendan, he speaks to me all the time, again offering me advice both on and off the pitch, which has helped me a lot.”
On Sunday, with Tottenham Hotspur visiting King Power Stadium for Leicester’s final Premier League match of 2020/21, Fofana could play in front of the Blue Army on Filbert Way for the first time in his career.
“I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere, it has been too long,” he added. “We obviously played in front of fans during the FA Cup Final, which was incredible, it was amazing. Hopefully at King Power Stadium it will be even better!
“I’m really excited to see them this weekend, to meet them and celebrate with them in person. Hopefully it will be the result we want. And just a big thank you for their support this season - it means a lot.”