'No Better Place To Be' – Bertrand On Joining Leicester City

The experienced left-back, a Premier League and UEFA Champions League winner and an England international with 19 caps, becomes the Club's third signing of the summer after spending the last six seasons of impressive career with Southampton in English football's top flight.

A one-time inductee into the Premier League's PFA Team of the Year, Bertrand adds valuable know-how to Brendan Rodgers' Foxes squad ahead of a campaign which will also include UEFA Europa League football.

Speaking to LCFC TV upon completing his agreement with Leicester, Bertrand spoke about the sense of pride he now feels to be a Fox and the exciting future he believes lies ahead for City.

"It feels amazing," the 31-year-old former Chelsea full-back said at LCFC Training Ground. "I’ve had the first day today but I’m looking forward to getting started properly with the lads and I can’t wait. It's complemented my inner ambitions and what I want to achieve still.

"There is no better place to be, to be honest, to be a part of what they’ve built over the years, and to continue that journey. Leicester have built something amazing over the years. Especially since Brendan’s come in. He’s added to that massively, in terms of the mentality.

"You can see the squad they’ve assembled as well… the professionalism, the standards, the values that everyone shares and buys into. They have one common goal, so it speaks volumes, and hopefully that’ll leave us in good stead."

Sitting beneath the stunning King Power Centre in Seagrave, Bertrand also discussed the world-class facilities available to Leicester's players, catching up with Rodgers – a manager he knows well from their shared spells at Reading – and the style of play which City have become renowned for.

"The game days are the finale of all the preparation, but this is very much where the work goes in day in, day out, and this is best facility I’ve been in," he added. "I’m sure it’s one of the best in world football.

"It’s been a busy day with testing and stuff, but it was more just catching up [with Rodgers]. We touched on, tactically, me getting to know the philosophy and how we like to play, so I’m really looking forward to it.

"I’m sure that sharing my experiences will be one of my roles also. I’m here to share all of that, on and off the field, so I’ll always be open and if I can lend a few words here and there to the developing players, then I’m sure I’ll do that. It’s going to be a team project so I’m here to help.

"The style of play that Brendan propagates is perfect for my mentality and how I approach the game. It’s one of the main reasons also. I look forward to implementing my style within that and getting more success."

Bertrand, who in fact made his European debut for Chelsea in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, is excited by the prospect of representing the Club in Europe next season and also had a message for the Blue Army ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

"It adds to it," Ryan admitted. "To play in Europe is a fantastic goal for a professional footballer, so hopefully we can do really well in the competition. I’m really looking forward to participating on all fronts.

"I’m just really happy to be here. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this fantastic club and I’m just going to give my all and try to do the fans proud."