Why Islam Slimani left Leicester City

Leicester City striker Islam Slimani left the King Power on a year-long loan to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce earlier in the month. He has revealed why he wanted a move.

Algerian striker Islam Slimani left Leicester City on loan earlier this month. Despite being third or fourth favourite for a starting place, he suggests there are other reasons for his exit. He joined the Foxes as their record signing at £30m, in 2016. During 2017/18 he made another loan move to Newcastle United. Although that was a disaster as the forward struggled with injury and fitness: managing only four appearances with no goals.

Returning to the King Power Stadium in July, it was made perfectly clear to Slimani that he is surplus to requirements. At least for this season. If he produces some fine displays while at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, there may be redemption at City under Claude Puel. But that is now doubtful, after deflating comments since landing in Turkey.

"“In England, I had fewer chances to impress compared to Portugal.“England has a very different culture, environment and climate. It’s a different place for everything.“I’ve been through a lot of injuries in the last year and this affected my stats.“In the games I played, the goals and assist numbers are not bad.”– Islam Slimani (Via: LCFC Live)"

I would have to agree with Slimani – as an Englishman – on culture and climate thoughts: regardless of our souring temperatures this summer! There were fewer chances here for him to impress. He absolutely did suffer with injury; if there are fitness issues he may want to address his work ethic. Which some fans called into question at multiple clubs. More on that later. His stats did suffer from missing games or performing at a low energy level.

Back in September 2016, Slimani scored the vital solitary goal in Leicester City’s 1–0 win against Porto in the Champions League. This helped fire the Foxes on to an incredible run: eventually reaching the Quarter-finals. None of the Blue Army will forget this moment – myself included. To be absolutely honest, with a long run in the side, he could get about 20 goals in all competitions in a campaign. His actual stats are 14 finishes – some very important – in 45 matches.

Yet, he will never be the ‘man’ at Leicester. Slimani’s featuring coincides with the club’s most significant and favourite legend: Jamie Vardy. Vardy is an England international, champion, record holder and has a monopoly on the main striker role in the Midlands team. And rightly so. Especially since the 31-year-old recently signed a four-year contract improvement.

All Foxes: staff, players, management, supporters wish the Algerian well. He seemed a jovial fellow on the training pitch. In addition, scoring some great headers and a sublime finish on his weaker left foot, defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. Sporting Lisbon fans certainly had huge admiration and positive comments for the 30-year-old on social media, as he left them.

At the time of his loan to Fenerbahce, Slimani stated:

"“Happy to start a new adventure with this great club Fenerbahce for whom I will give everything on the field. Thanks to my agents for this new challenge and especially a great thanks to the fans for a magnificent welcome.” (Via: Twitter)"

Is there a way back for Slimani at Leicester City? Short answer, probably not.

Fenerbahce posted a unique video – politeness is my forte – for Slimani’s arrival. Appearing with two thumbs up in some stylish shades. It does not look like the Turkish side have quite got the hang of these modern, sometimes idiotic, signing-mini-movies. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Keep the entertaining on the pitch. Yes, this writer is getting old.

Even during his minimal time at Newcastle on loan from Leicester City, Slimani was noticeably sluggish and lethargic. However, he did suffer from conditioning problems along with injuries. This will not serve him well in Turkey; the Sarı Lacivertliler (the Yellow-Navy Blues) supporters are passionate and expectant. Ideally, the Algeria international will hit the ground running, scoring plenty and regularly.

Unfortunately he missed a sitter and three others as his new team lost 1-0 on his debut to, “newly promoted side Malatayspor, away from home at the Yeni Malatya Stadium.” Information from turkish-football.com. Oh dear. The only way is up, mate.