What a True Legend he is, I saw he was at the match but didn't realise he was presented to the fans, it must have been fantastic to welcome him back.
Former Leicester City player Esteban Cambiasso has admitted to being a Leicester City fan for life, saying that his time at the King Power Stadium was “one of the best years of my career".
The 37-year old, having since spent the remaining years of his career at Olympiakos, recently called it a day, going down as one of Argentina’s greatest ever, winning 21 titles in total, the first of which came at Real Madrid in 2002-03 as the Los Blancos won the La Liga.
He may have only spent a season at Leicester City, but the moment Esteban Cambiasso was welcomed onto the pitch at the King Power Stadium during the fixture against Manchester City, the resounding roar that followed assured us all of his status as a cult hero.
Safe to say, Cambiasso was delighted with the welcome he received at his former home. Speaking afterwards, he said:
“It was great, a fantastic moment because I know how much the supporters love me.
“They know I love them too. It was an amazing moment, but it didn’t surprise me because they are very good supporters.
“I have very good memories of the year I lived here. I have said before when I left it was one of the best years in my career.
“I have great memories and when the supporters can show me how they feel through the newspapers or social media they do and it is great. Today it was nice to feel it live."
Esteban Cambiasso left Leicester City for Olympiacos after 2014/15’s great escape, but that didn’t prevent him from basking in the joy of the the century’s greatest triumph: Leicester’s 2015/16 title win.
“I was very, very happy because when I left it got even better.
“I was happy because I had a chance to be a Leicester player for one year and after I continued to be a Leicester supporter.
“I watched on and lived like a supporter, suffering with my ex-team mates and friends.
“It was an amazing season for me too, not as a player but as a supporter watching as my friends did something amazing.“I saw everything on the television and I was thrilled for everyone."
Esteban Cambiasso a Leicester fan for Life
posted on 21/11/17
A very intelligent and articulate man,unlike so many top footballers nowadays.
Also quite humble and appreciative of his fortunate talent which has given a great lifestyle.
Cant see him drink driving or caught in somewhat embarrassing situations like so many of our supposed stars nowadays.
A class above the Rooneys,Wises and Bartons we have seen in recent years.
posted on 21/11/17
A great player for us and I enjoyed watching him play. He also seems to have a good temperament away from the pitch and carries himself with a certain amount of dignity.
Leicester legend? This may be a controversial view, but not in my eyes. For me to be classed as a club legend you need to: 1. Be one of the best players in your era, 2. Always give you all for the club, 3. Have a certain amount of passion for the club off the pitch and when you retire, 4. Longevity & loyalty – have played for us for a few seasons. There are a few players you can easily tick the boxes for on those four measures but, let’s face it, we were just a stepping stone for Cambiasso as he achieved his remaining ambitions in the twilight of his career.
That’s not to diminish anything about Cambiasso’s season with us, the player, or the man. I have a similar internal dilemma with how Kante should be placed in our history - and he helped us win the league!
posted on 21/11/17
Not controversial Joby - I understand that view point.
But for me, some players just write themselves in to folklore and the fabric of your club in a short space of time. Cambiasso is the most talented footballer I’ve ever seen at the club along with Collymore, Mancini and Mahrez. But Cambiasso had something about him that connected us to him as fans. He genuinely cared about our club, and as a result, we wanted to reciprocate. For me he is a legend, but it all depends on what your definition of legend is.
Steve Walsh epitmomises the true legend status. But I think you can have different legends for different occasions. Cambiasso managed to create a special bond with the fans in a very short space of time and that’s special.
You know, likes Barry Hayles and Junior Lewis. They will always be Leicester legends 😂
posted on 21/11/17
In some ways Barry Hayles and Junior Lewis are Leicester legends - but for all the wrong reasons.
posted on 21/11/17
I'll give him this - he knows how to work a crowd.
What I'll always remember is his vision. He could spot a pass that nobody else in the stadium knew was on. One flick of the boot and he'd taken out three opposing midfielders and sent a teammate on his way. It was striking to witness what true, world-class quality looked like, even though he was obviously at the end of his career.
With his knowledge of the game, I wouldn't be surprised to see him make an exceptional manager in the future.
posted on 22/11/17
I have often thought The King Power would be a great place for him to join the coaching staff and work towards his badges - Maybe even one day take over as manager or head coach
posted on 22/11/17
comment by a foxes voice (U1133)
posted 50 minutes ago
I have often thought The King Power would be a great place for him to join the coaching staff and work towards his badges - Maybe even one day take over as manager or head coach
Probably a great idea for the future once members of the current squad he didn’t go down well with have moved on or retired.
posted on 22/11/17
Fantastic player, crucial to the great escape,and in many peoples eyes , mine ibcluded, our poty in 2014/15.
but, if he 'loved us' so much, why was he so keen to leave in sunner 2015, sorry cant remember if Olympiakos were in the the CL or EL in 2015/16.
and if he did stay would we have brought Kante in.
Great player yes, Legend Hmmm. there have been many 'legends'.
Nice of the club to bring him back to thank the fans, and speak to the Birch ( now there is a legend , thoufgh probably more was he's done after nis plating career than during it.)
Now lets get the London stadium half empty with 1/2 hour left again on Friday.
UTF
posted on 22/11/17
OOpssorry
There have been a lot of legends in Leicester Citys history.
what I meant to say was ' there have been a lot of legends in my (nearly) 50 years of watching LCFC
UTF
posted on 22/11/17
I always figured the main reason was that he didn't want another year of relegation dogfight. And he only really came here in the first place because we were the best (probably the only) truly on offer for him to experience Premier League football before he retired. so he'd kind of fulfilled his desires really and his heart wasn't really in staying here any further.
Doesn't mean he wouldn't have enjoyed his time here, or of course the story that came after.