Upson Thrilled To Be A Fox

23 May 2014
1 Minute
Incoming Leicester City defender Matthew Upson is looking forward to working under Nigel Pearson after becoming the Foxes’ second signing of the summer.
The 35-year-old former England international will arrive on a free transfer once his contract with Brighton expires on 1 July, joining goalkeeper Ben Hamer as the first two new recruits ahead of next season’s Premier League campaign. 

Upson has agreed a one-year deal with the Foxes, and with a wealth of top-flight experience behind him, Brighton’s Player of the Season for 2013/14 will certainly bring plenty to the squad. 

After putting pen-to-paper, the central defender told LCFC.com: “I’m really delighted. It’s a great opportunity and something I’m very grateful for. 

“I obviously played against Leicester last season and I liked the way they played and the intensity that they had. It’s an opportunity to play in the Premier League again, which I have been striving to do since I’ve been in the Championship. 

“I enjoyed last season and had a great time at Brighton, but it’s too good an opportunity to turn down.”

The former West Ham and Arsenal man can’t wait to get started under his new boss, and is confident the Foxes can shine in the top-flight next term. 

He revealed: “I’ve been very impressed with the manager. He seems very straight with the players, knows what he wants, and there’s a great attention to detail here and it seems very organised. I think I’ll enjoy working here. 

“In a newly promoted team I think the word ‘team’ is really important. It’s about the way the team are together, how hard they work for each other and how strong they are together. I think that will have a massive part to play in the season. 

“The style and the fashion in which they got promoted was great. The outstanding thing was the consistency of the performances all season and it was really noticeable. 

“It’s a big draw to know that Nigel Pearson wants me at the Club and values my character. It’s important for me as an individual to have that. 

“I’ve been in this position (being out of contract) a few times when things have maybe dragged on into July, so from my point of view it’s good to get it sorted and know where I’m at. I’ve got a start date for pre-season and I can go away and enjoy my summer.”