Harry Maguire on Leicester City: “I owe them”

On Wednesday, Sky Sports reported they understand Harry Maguire was the subject of a number of rejected bids from Manchester United. Now, the England star says he owed it to Leicester City to remain a Fox.

England reached the World Cup semi-finals in Russia. Gareth Southgate’s squad were impressive throughout. Consequently raising the players’ stock dramatically and balance of their club careers somewhat. No player seemed to gain as much of an attention increase than Leicester City’s Harry Maguire.

Man of the people or everyman Maguire is a down-to-earth fellow. Making him even more endearing to his East Midlands club’s fans. Relatable and honest: the towering 6-foot-four defender admits, in spite of the “buzz”, he is not able to watch the full replay of the Croatia semi-final.

He only views highlights, as it meant so much and is “tough” to watch. Oh, and his goal versus Sweden is on repeat in the Maguire household. “It was something really special and something we want to do again in the future.” Said Maguire of his international exploits.

When back in England, the 25-year-old attends lower leagues to watch his brothers and Sheffield United play. In fact, there are quite a few signature hunters about: “I watched Gainsborough v Chesterfield, my brothers play for either side. At half-time, there was a pretty long queue. I tried to get through as many as I could.”

The Independent continues Maguire’s statement: “I think they restricted them to one photo or a signature each to try to get through. There must have been a good few hundred queueing up. That was probably the busiest place I have been but it is nice.”

These types of comments ensure the Foxes defensive man as a football favourite for the future. Yet, surely keeps managers like Jose Mourinho interested on a personal level.

On his decision to stay at Leicester City after a phenomenal tournament, Maguire is just as candid.

"“Obviously going into a World Cup – if we were successful, as we were – there were always going to be players who came under interest. That is part and parcel of the game.“I spoke with Leicester after a bit of interest from clubs, and they reiterated that I wasn’t for sale and I respected that decision.“They gave me an opportunity to play in the Premier League, when I had just been relegated with Hull. They gave me that opportunity and it is a club I am really enjoying my time at. I am playing week-in and week-out, which is important to me.“They have given me the platform to play at the World Cup, so I feel I owe them and I respect that decision. Now I am looking forward to the season.”– Harry Maguire (Via: Sky Sports)"

Obviously it is wonderful for the Blue Army to hear such reassuring exclamations. While pondering if Maguire will stay for many more seasons? Will a giant transfer fee equate to replacing a player of that magnitude? This writer is not so sure.

Maguire is a man in demand – at the time of Manchester United’s interest, Sky reported that he was eager for a move: “Harry Maguire is still hoping Manchester United will sign him with just one day to go before the [transfer] window closes, Sky Sports News understands.”

Yet, this new article Wednesday seems to contradict that statement. Regardless, the Leicester City faithful will only be, rightly, concerned with facts: they have Maguire at the King Power still. Especially as he ascends to one of the most eminent and high performing centre-backs on the planet.

It will be another struggle to keep the former Hull City player this summer. Inevitably there will be offers, from let’s face it, more monumental clubs than the Foxes.

Although a bumper new Leicester contract with increased wages will be signed by Maguire any minute, or day, now. This despite already having four-years remaining on his existing deal. A token gesture or true committing of loyalty?

Some supporters became nervous when it emerged that Leicester City would buy two central-defenders. Although, Filip Benkovic and Caglar Soyuncu joined very close to deadline – fueling the notion their prized asset would leave Claude Puel‘s side.  Maguire owes Leicester City nothing, apart from as many great leadership performances as possible.