Paul Lambert explains why he let Marc Albrighton join Leicester City on a free transfer
Stoke City boss Paul Lambert has revealed why he let Marc Albrighton leave Aston Villa for Leicester City on a free transfer.
The Scotsman was incharge at Villa Park when Albrighton left for Leicester, bringing an end to a mammoth 11-year stay at the club that he joined when he was just eight.
Since joining the Foxes, the 28-year old has gone on to win the Premier league title while also featuring in the UEFA Champions League, something that his former boss Paul Lambert never thought he would do at the King Power Stadium.
Explaining why he had to set Albrighton free, the 48-year old said:
"“Believe it or not we couldn’t afford to keep him at Aston Villa.“He has done great since, he really has. He is a terrific lad, great work ethic and a really nice kid as well. It’s no surprise me how well he has done.“Did anyone expect them to win the league? Probably not, but fair play to them, and he played his part. You don’t begrudge a player like that, no.“He’s a good kid, a nice kid as well and deserves all the credit he got.”"
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Lambert was also in awe of Jamie Vardy, and what he has achieved during his time at the club. As well as winning the Championship and a Premier League title, the striker has broken numerous records along the way – and doing so against the very best.
"“Vardy is a terrific striker given where he has come from,” said Lambert.“Most of the goals come from him and Mahrez. It’s not just that sort of thing, his work ethic is huge.“He seems to close things down, run after lost causes. He has been a great player for Leicester.”"
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The Stoke City boss also had good words for Riyad Mahrez despite his off-field antics. Having gone AWOL for a couple of weeks, the Algerian is now back to work, with the fans seemingly in his support again.
"“Mahrez has had a brilliant couple of years at Leicester,” the Potters’ boss said.“When things like that happen, Man City coming calling, he can’t go, maybe his head is a bit.“You have to win the fans back over, it’s a difficult one. It looks like he has won them back over. It must have been a strange situation to find yourself in.”"
Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy had a typically good game in the 1-1 draw against Stoke City, though it never proved enough against their well-drilled opponents. As a result, the Foxes missed a chance to replace Burnley at seventh in the Premier League table, as the Clarets conceded a late equaliser against Southampton themselves.
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Claude Puel’s side next host AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.