City Squad Arrive In Bangkok

Nigel Pearson’s men will (kick-off 18.20 local time, 12.20 BST) in a friendly match to mark the 25th anniversary of the Foxes’ parent company, King Power International.

King Power Group Vice Chairman Sombat Dechapanichkul and Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Rawewan Netrakavesna were on-hand to ensure Nigel Pearson and his squad were warmly welcomed as soon as they stepped off the plane following their 12-hour journey from London.

And defender Ritchie De Laet said the hospitality shown was every bit as special as the greeting they received back in May, when the Foxes arrived in Thailand to celebrate their Football League Championship success.

He said: “It’s very similar to last time, a great turn-out for the boys; although we know there will be a greater focus on preparing for the new season on this trip.

“We’re in the middle of pre-season and we have a game to think about on Sunday, so we’ll have to make sure we train well and prepare properly, but to start with a welcome like this is fantastic.”

Leo Ulloa and Riyad Mahrez are both among those included in City’s 21-man travelling party – the former having completed his move from Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday and the latter joining the squad after a brief summer break following his exploits with Algeria at the World Cup.

The group were whisked straight from the Suvarnabhumi runway through passport control via a VIP lounge, before making their way through a terminal full of cameras, flashbulbs and adoring supporters to board a coach bound for their Bangkok hotel.

A police escort ensured a speedy transfer for the City contingent, who were greeted on arrival at their base for the week by Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and further hordes of supporters in Foxes blue. There was then a brief opportunity for refreshment, before the squad made their way to the pool for an immediate recovery session following their long-haul flight.

With the squad remaining on UK time for the duration of their five days in East Asia, Pearson’s men will head to the nearby home of Thai Premier League side Army United later in the ‘evening’ for the first football session of the trip, before dinner in the early hours to bring their first day to a conclusion.

Foxes fans can stay up to date with all the action from the trip at lcfc.com and on Foxes Player, with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to City’s intensive preparations for their first top flight campaign in 10 years.

Click to see more photos from the squad’s arrival in Bangkok.

Click to watch their arrival on Foxes Player, including further reaction from Ritchie De Laet.