Leicester City folklore is not quite as vast, amazing and far-reaching as that of certain superpowers within the sport of football. But, as everyone associated with the game has seen over the years, especially the past decade or so - we certainly hold our own! Giant killers. Punching above our weight. David and Goliath, indeed. Little Leicester doing big things.
Alright, I'll admit it - we aren't doing so great at the moment. I think you can put a lot of the regression or stagnation directly down to owners The King Power International Group's financial problems and company issues. But we will bounce back - again! It might perhaps take us longer to be challenging for trophies and propping up the 'big six' once more. But it'll probably happen.
And it appears that LCFC could have perhaps made even more history almost 10 years ago. Then-manager Claudio Ranieri, the Foxes legend who delivered the Premier League title, made a cheeky call to a soon-to-be superstar. The Italian gaffer phoned previous Ligue 1 Rennes star Ousmane Dembele. Ranieri's improbable mission: to bring Dembele to Leicestershire. A likely but true story, as explained by the 2025 Ballon d’Or-winner.
When Claudio Ranieri called Ousmane Dembele to bring him to Leicester City
I love Claudio. I mean, I really respect and cherish his time at City. I'm sure the majority of Leicester's Blue Army fan base will agree without hesitation!
So this was a particularly humorous, enlightening and nostalgic read for myself. Regardless, that's enough preamble.
When the East Midlanders were at the height of their power and influence, they actually tried to sign eminent footballers wanted by the elite. You've gotta love it!
Dembele was one baller who got the significant call. Though he declined to fulfil his Foxes destiny! Read below for yourselves:
"Claudio Ranieri had identified Dembele after his stellar season with Rennes in Ligue 1, but were unsuccessful in their pursuit after he opted to join Borussia Dortmund.Dembele, via EFL Analysis
“I had Claudio Ranieri on the phone. I was surprised to hear from him but I told him I will not be going to Leicester,” he told Ouest-France, when asked if the rumours were true."