While fans of Leicester City Football Club are still nervous at the prospect of losing more of their favourite stars, and even star prospects too, some comfort can be found with preseason fixtures around the corner and a seemingly committed head coach in place. What has pleased this outlet about Russell Martin can be boiled down into one point at present: he is apparently putting the Foxes personnel through one hell of a gruelling offseason training regime.
That is pleasing to the long-suffering Blue Army fan base for several obvious reasons. First of all, revenge: believe it or not, some city supporters will be more than pleased to witness a group that has caused them aggravation, wasted days out and even sleepless nights going through their paces in a heatwave.
Of course, and to be even more candid, the goal is to get these players absolutely fit for a challenging, pending campaign with lofty aspirations as well. Thirdly, the former Scotland National Team representative now in charge at Seagrave Training Ground is inadvertently, or cryptically, letting the contemporary LCFC squad know that only one man is calling the shots.
​That specific message includes another powerful note: this is a new day, and the previously awful standards won't be tolerated. Martin even personally informed the roster of the type of decorum or behaviour he expects on Filbert Way and beyond, with Hamza Choudhury ironically in ear shot!
One man who formerly helped set a high practice bar, along with once being a prime example on the pitch, was Ricardo Pereira. The Portuguese was widely loved by fans in LE2 and eventually rose to become team captain; supporters stuck by him, as did the club, during the dark days of serious injury.
Not to mention that the Portuguese was reliable and honest throughout his Leicester career. Though, as previously alluded to, he has now departed Leicestershire as an athlete for good.
Where Ricardo Pereira is linked following Leicester City exit
But where will the flying right back go next? The 32-year-old now finds himself a free agent following his contract expiration; reports have recently surfaced regarding interest from Brazilian outfits Botafogo and Gremio.
"His European pedigree is said to appeal to Botafogo head coach Franclim Carvalho and Gremio boss Luis Castro, and Gremio are said to have made inquiries to his representatives."OneFootball
Given his extensive Premier League experience and pedigree as a former Portuguese international, he remains a highly attractive proposition for clubs seeking a seasoned defensive operator. A move to South America would certainly mirror the paths of other notable exports who have sought fresh challenges in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.
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