Andy King: Club & Fans In Long-Awaited Tribute To Leicester City Legend
- Andy King’s return to Leicester City marked with post-match presentation
- Foxes legend among four returning members of the LCFC family on Saturday
- Enzo Maresca and Nigel Pearson reflect on fans’ reception after 1-0 Foxes win
- King hails welcome as 'more than I could have imagined'
On a day that saw the return of several much-loved figures to King Power Stadium for the visit of Bristol City, including double promotion-winning manager Nigel Pearson and midfield favourite Matty James, one name stood apart.
Andy King’s illustrious, near-unrivalled, 16-year Leicester City career is a story well told in the East Midlands. A graduate of the Club’s Academy and a constant in the Club’s rise from League 1 to the Champions League across the most successful period in our history, the popular Wales international left an indelible mark on Club culture as well as its history books.
The only player in the modern era to win League 1, the Championship and the Premier League with the same club, Andy’s 62 goals make him the highest scoring midfielder in our history, while his 379 appearances included consistently outstanding displays – many of which came on the most storied of stages.
Yet having departed in the summer of 2020, with stadiums closed and communities still gripped by COVID-19 restrictions, the gifted midfielder, the Club and its grateful supporters were starved of an opportunity to say farewell.
That led to an emotional reunion on Filbert Way on Saturday, as King, now 34, returned to King Power Stadium for the first time among a Bristol City squad managed by Pearson and captained by James.
A special reception was duly provided by the Blue Army to all three men, starting with James, whose name was brilliantly cheered during the pre-match announcement of the teams.
“I just want to say thank you for that,” Matty James said post-match. “The result aside, I’ve enjoyed being back here today. This Club did so much for me, and my family and I’ll forever be grateful. In that respect, it’s Kingy’s day today and he deserved all the applause, so the fact the Leicester fans thought to acknowledge me as well was pretty humbling.”
King’s salute from the King Power came both during the game and through a humble lap of honour after the final whistle. Rarely has such an ovation been granted to a visiting player, even one formerly of this parish.
He shared that particular post-match stage with Pearson – also making his first return to Filbert Way as a visiting manager since ending his second spell with the Foxes eight years ago. All four sides of the stadium were upstanding to salute a man whose work contributed to, and laid significant foundations for, some of the most successful days Leicester fans of any generation have ever seen. It was a topic both managers addressed warmly during post-match media duties.
“The only thing I can say is that he brought something unbelievable here in the years he was here,” Enzo Maresca said in his post-match press conference.
“For me it was only a pleasure to meet him before the game, to have a chat with him, at the end of the game to tell him all the best, especially for the health, but also for the football.
“Big respect. When you achieve something important, always you need big respect.”
"It means a lot,” Pearson added. “My family are all here, my dad's here too because he used to love coming here. I've got my grandchildren here today as well.
"It was a big part of our lives and so for us to come back here today, you know what I'm like, I'm miserable once the game starts because it's all about the football, but I can't deny I've had tears in my eyes today. It's really good to see people again.
"And it's very touching to receive the respect I got shown today. It's the same for the players too. Kingy and Jamo got a fabulous reception and very justified it was too. They both played big parts in this club.”
While a 1-0 win for the Foxes continued a fine start to the new season and a bright new dawn under Maresca, post-match there was an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of key figures of a previous era, and one icon in particular.
Enzo was among those in attendance in a Directors Lounge reception hosted by Chief Executive Susan Whelan, in which directors of both clubs, former team-mates, colleagues and families raised a toast in honour all four returnees - long-serving former Head Physio Dave Rennie having also formed part of Pearson’s current backroom team at Ashton Gate.
But headline status was reserved for ‘Kingy’, who was presented with a special memento by Vice Chairman Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha - a gesture of appreciation for an immeasurable contribution from a certified Leicester City legend.
Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “Andy’s contribution over 16 years equates to some of the greatest in the Club’s history and I’m so pleased our supporters had the opportunity to show their appreciation on Saturday. He is a legend of the Club and deserving of every bit of the recognition he received.
“The reception afforded to Nigel, Andy, Matty and Dave demonstrated exactly how highly their contribution to the Club was valued. The role each of them played in our success was hugely significant and a bedrock of the success we have enjoyed in recent times.
“As our fans continue to embrace an exciting new era under Enzo this season, we’re very proud that our fans and manager, took the opportunity to recognise the work of those that have gone before.”
In typically understated fashion, Andy took to social media on Sunday to express his thanks. King said: “Leicester City, sometimes words can’t do a feeling or situation justice, yesterday was one of those afternoons. The reception you gave me was more than I could have imagined and the feelings I had during that time will live with me forever. I’m so glad I got the chance to come back and see you all again and after the game be able to relive all those amazing memories. Good luck for the rest of the season. Kingy.”