During the past weekend, Leicester City fans enjoyed a bittersweet, yet largely celebratory, charity match at King Power Stadium. This was far from a mere exhibition, as the event heralded the return of the Foxes' most illustrious alumni to grace the Leicestershire turf once more.
​Indeed, the 2015/16 Premier League champions remain, without contest, the most improbable victors in the annals of English football history. Their unfathomable triumph, a narrative that defies typical logic, is regularly cited as the greatest and most inexplicable occurrence in the history of professional sport.
Although the scenario, while wild, is remarkably explainable: the organisation masterfully utilised rigorous 'Moneyball' methodology to unearth raw gems. While recruitment, tactical management and backroom staff aligned with celestial perfection.
Nevertheless, the Blue Army’s appetite for this 5000-1 commemorative contest against a rather pitiful 'All-Star' XI was perhaps not as ravenous as a decade ago. For consecutive relegations have a peculiar way of tempering even the most fervent supporter's spirits.
The faithful were inevitably disappointed by the conspicuous absence of certain heroes, though it provided solace that recently retired Kasper Schmeichel and Cremonese-contracted Jamie Vardy were in attendance. Others, however, seemingly could not be bothered to grace Filbert Way, or, to be charitable, were otherwise engaged in professional commitments.
Ex-Leicester City players' indifference
N’Golo Kante was named in the France squad. Just as Riyad Mahrez will be occupied with international duties on the Algeria World Cup roster, providing them with convenient get-out clauses. The pair do come across as 'too important' on occasion.
"Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante won't be in Leicester this weekend due to their World Cup commitments."Yahoo Sport
Yet, a harsh reality is that neither man has appeared particularly enamoured with their tenure in Leicester. Mahrez, in particular, distanced himself with profound ingratitude, even ignorantly suggesting he squandered two years of his career at the club. The Frenchman escapes such scorn: arguably shielded by a 'nice and quiet' persona.
But the absence of Ben Chilwell was more telling. Mark these words: he would not have participated or even observed if deemed available following invitation.
The former England defender's ties to the team were severed with literal disrespect. The fragile full back notoriously played poorly as well as tentatively for the Foxes before engineering a move to Chelsea to ensure the transfer.
"Ben Chilwell, who didn't play in the Premier League during the title-winning season, is unavailable."
Chilwell subsequently antagonised his former supporters with reckless celebrations, particularly on his return. Many in LE2 recall him as a peculiar athlete, a man who, despite failing to make a single Premier League appearance in 2016, still managed to force himself to the forefront of jubilations; then failed to make the reunion.
Having suggested this, obviously they may have had personal reasons, but the optics are awful. Incidentally, Kante, for example, made no attempt to mention LCFC nor the occasion on social media.
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