Albert Sambi Lokonga has sent a heartfelt message to Patrick Vieira after Crystal Palace decided to sack the Frenchman.
What’s the story?
Well – to the surprise of many Crystal Palace fans – none of the players at Selhurst Park sent Vieira a message on social media after he was handed his P45 by Crystal Palace on Friday morning.
Now, Lokonga – who is on loan at Crystal Palace from Arsenal – has become the first to do so.
The Belgium international wrote on Instagram: “Thank you for giving me back the smile during this short period of time. See you soon coach.”
Lokonga’s message is seemingly referring to Vieira helping him regain some confidence.
After joining the Eagles on loan in January, the 23-year-old told Crystal Palace’s official website: “I had him (Vieira) on the phone and it was a good opportunity to come here, to show myself and to help the boys reach their objectives.
“He said to me, welcome. He is going to push me to be a better player – I am looking forward to it.”
Lokonga had certainly began to rediscover his best form under Vieira despite Crystal Palace’s struggles as a team, which have left them without a win in 2023 so far.
Patrick Vieira exit harms Crystal Palace’s Lokonga chances
In our view, any hope Crystal Palace had of signing Lokonga on a permanent basis this summer has now taken a hit.
As aforesaid, the Belgian was convinced to join by Vieira, and there seemed to be a strong relationship between the pair.
However – unless Crystal Palace hire Vincent Kompany, who enjoyed a good understanding with Lokonga while managing him at Anderlecht – we can’t see the south Londoners signing him permanently.
In truth, it all depends on who Steve Parish hires as a replacement.
As things stand, Roy Hodgson is the frontrunner, an rumour which has not excited the fanbase one bit, and is highly unlikely to appease Lokonga either.
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