There are two decennium celebrations at Leicester City this year, marking 10 years since the club's improbable ascent to the pinnacle of English football. Nobody will need reminding that back in 2016, the Foxes lifted the Premier League trophy for a maiden and unfathomable first time.
Led by N'Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, the East Midlands side sidelined the established powers of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Man City to miraculously triumph in the division. Following that historic campaign, the LE2 team's prime assets were inevitably targeted for respective transfers by the elite clubs that had been left in their wake.
The late, great chairman Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha famously held firm on Mahrez, retaining the controversial Algerian winger for a couple more years. Conversely, Kante was spirited away to Stamford Bridge, his departure facilitated by an ill-advised contract release clause that left Leicester vulnerable.
Ex-England and Leicester City superstar Jamie Vardy's revelation will still not appease Arsenal fans
​Meanwhile, the legendary Vardy was courted by various external suitors; most notably the Gunners, who sought to add his clinical edge to their own ambitions. As a matter of fact, it is now confirmed that "Vards" was the primary target for Arsene Wenger, who spared no effort in his attempt to convince the striker to sign at the Emirates.
"He [Arsene Wenger] jumped the gun," he said. "I was just trying to prepare for going to the Euros [and I] got a phone call from my agent saying 'Arsenal are interested in signing you, I've told them to wait."football.london
The former England international recently revealed that he visited the illustrious manager's residence to discuss a potential switch. Yet t the iconic striker ultimately wished to remain at his sporting home.
"...you've got Jack Wilshere like, 'Oh, you signing for us?' And I was like '******* hell, give me a yard'. And then three days later, I rang Becks (wife) up and said I'm not going." When pressed on what ultimately swayed his decision to remain at Leicester, he explained: "Loyalty."
Vardy insisted that a profound sense of loyalty to the LE2 club prevented him from deserting Leicester, choosing to decline the offer. His decision remains a fascinating footnote in English football history, continuing to resonate as a poignant reminder of the rare bond between a player and his adopted club.
"I'd been given my chance at Leicester and we'd just won. If I'm honest, just having that place to stay. We all know in football that you can be at one club for one year, then another for two and then another for six months. Football is constantly moving so having that foundation of a home played a massive impact."
This infamous resolution is acknowledged in Leicestershire. But probably not in North London, as they were categorically rejected; just imagine how quicker a PL trophy would have been won by Arsenal!
Add us as a preferred source on Google